Study: When continents shift on Earth, volcanoes erupt diamonds

In a fascinating discovery, scientists have revealed that diamonds make a dramatic journey to the Earth’s surface during catastrophic events such as continental shifts and explosive volcanic eruptions.

A recent study has shown that diamonds are brought to the surface during volcanic eruptions triggered by the movement of Earth’s continents and the reshaping of the planet’s landscape.

 

What Are Kimberlite Eruptions?

Diamonds are not typically found near the Earth’s surface. Instead, they form deep within the Earth’s crust, about 93 miles below ground. Before reaching the surface, diamonds undergo a violent and explosive process known as a “kimberlite eruption.”

During these eruptions, diamond-bearing rocks are propelled upwards at speeds ranging from 11 to 83 mph. This process takes the diamonds on an extraordinary journey from their fiery origins deep within the Earth to their final destination above ground.

 

he Link Between Kimberlite Eruptions and Tectonic Shifts

Thomas Gernon, a Professor of Earth and Climate Science at the University of Southampton in England, noted that kimberlite eruptions often coincide with significant tectonic shifts, such as the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Pangaea. These eruptions typically occur in stable, thick regions in the middle of continents, which are difficult to disrupt.

“The diamonds have been sitting at the base of the continents for hundreds of millions, or even billions, of years,” said Gernon. “There must be some trigger that suddenly sets them in motion, because these eruptions are incredibly powerful and explosive.”