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The mysteries of Antarctic volcanism

Discover the surprising evidence of subglacial eruptions in Antarctica and their implications for active volcanism underneath ice sheets.

Written byErik Klemetti
| 1 min read
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We really don't know much about the current and ancient volcanism on Antarctica, but researchers from British Antarctic Survey claim they have found evidence of subglacial eruptions in western Antarctica, mostly in the form of ash and volcanic debris intercalated with the ice. It would not be surprising if there was active volcanism underneath the ice sheets of the continent. However, they then take it one (or multiple) step(s) further by saying that this subglacial volcanism might explain the warming seen on the western side of the continent. Now, that would be very surprising as the commentary on the news report details. Antarctica is definitely a big black hole in terms of what sort of volcanism to expect beyond Erebus.

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