Latest news with #Altiplano-PunaMagmaBody
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists Say This Zombie Volcano Is Still Alive
Although dormant volcanoes are usually quiet, 'zombie volcanoes' like Bolivia's Uturuncu display a surviving amount of activity for a volcano that hasn't erupted in 250,000 years. A new study uses seismic topography, combined with other data sets including rock composition, to create a 3D map of the magmatic and hydrothermal plumbing beneath Uturuncu. The study shows that the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body, the largest in the world, is feeding hot fluids and gasses toward the surface and trapping CO2 and steam under the summit. Although not a living, breathing thing like you and me, volcanoes experience their own 'life cycles.' Filled with veins of magma and toxic gas rather than blood and plasma, these rumbling geologic formations first experience a calamitous active phase, a more sleepy dormant phase, until eventually going extinct. Although technically not dead, dormant volcanoes usually show little activity unless they're on the inevitable road to eruption. In a way, these volcanoes exist in a liminal space between active and extinct. However, some volcanoes defy this easy categorization, and chief among them is the long-dormant Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia. Meaning 'jaguar' in the indigenous language Quechua, Uturuncu hasn't erupted for 250,000 years—give or take 5,000 years or so. However, that hasn't stopped this volcano from showcasing extensive gas and earthquake activity, inspiring some toward the label of a 'zombie volcano.' Now, a new study from scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Oxford University, and Cornell University have unraveled the mystery of Uturuncu's undead activity. The results of the study were published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). 'When people look at volcanoes, they're like, 'Oh, if it's not going to erupt, we're not interested in it,'' Cornell University's Matthew Pritchard, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement. 'But actually volcanoes that look dead on the surface are not dead underneath. There are still processes going on. And the processes in Uturuncu are particularly interesting because they're telling us about the liquids and the gasses that are moving through there that might become, or maybe even today are, a reservoir of minerals that could be useful for technology.' Shaped sort of like a sombrero—with the volcano jutting upwards while the area surrounding it sinks below—Uturuncu rests on the largest magma body in the Earth's crust in what's known as the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex. Scientists know that a hydrothermal system connects this body to the surface but has no idea how the internal fluid mechanics of that system work. To get a clearer picture, the research team used seismic tomography, which uses seismic waves from 1,700 earthquake events. Because these waves interact differently with varying materials in the Earth, scientists were able to construct a 3D model of Uturuncu's interior. This model was then combined with other data, including rock composition, for an even higher-resolution snapshot of Uturuncu's magmatic and hydrothermal plumbing. What the scientists discovered is that the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body is likely sending gasses through a narrow pipe, which causes liquids and gasses to accumulate below the volcano's crater and is what likely forms Uturuncu's sombrero-like shape. Because this is caused by liquids and gasses, and not magma, an impending eruption is low, a sigh of relief for locals who live near the volcano. However, studying the internal layout of volcanoes like Uturuncu provides more valuable information than just its explosive probability. 'Fluids are flowing through molten rock and they pick up some minerals on their way, and then they take them somewhere and deposit them,' Pritchard said in a press statement, stating how volcanoes can be breeding grounds for important minerals. 'Even though we're not really worried about this particular volcano erupting in the next few years, we can sort of see in real time the processes of this happening. Clearly there is activity underground that may be even, at some point, economically useful.' Uturuncu also isn't the only 'zombie volcano' of its kind, as many similar formations around the world that haven't erupted for thousands of years though still show a surprising amount of activity. Understanding these signs of activity could help scientists sort through which volcanoes are an impending threat and which are simply blowing smoke. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
A Zombie Volcano Hasn't Erupted in 250,000 Years—But Scientists Say It's Still Alive
Although dormant volcanoes are usually quiet, 'zombie volcanoes' like Bolivia's Uturuncu display a surviving amount of activity for a volcano that hasn't erupted in 250,000 years. A new study uses seismic topography, combined with other data sets including rock composition, to create a 3D map of the magmatic and hydrothermal plumbing beneath Uturuncu. The study shows that the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body, the largest in the world, is feeding hot fluids and gasses toward the surface and trapping CO2 and steam under the summit. Although not a living, breathing thing like you and me, volcanoes experience their own 'life cycles.' Filled with veins of magma and toxic gas rather than blood and plasma, these rumbling geologic formations first experience a calamitous active phase, a more sleepy dormant phase, until eventually going extinct. Although technically not dead, dormant volcanoes usually show little activity unless they're on the inevitable road to eruption. In a way, these volcanoes exist in a liminal space between active and extinct. However, some volcanoes defy this easy categorization, and chief among them is the long-dormant Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia. Meaning 'jaguar' in the indigenous language Quechua, Uturuncu hasn't erupted for 250,000 years—give or take 5,000 years or so. However, that hasn't stopped this volcano from showcasing extensive gas and earthquake activity, inspiring some toward the label of a 'zombie volcano.' Now, a new study from scientists at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Oxford University, and Cornell University have unraveled the mystery of Uturuncu's undead activity. The results of the study were published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). 'When people look at volcanoes, they're like, 'Oh, if it's not going to erupt, we're not interested in it,'' Cornell University's Matthew Pritchard, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement. 'But actually volcanoes that look dead on the surface are not dead underneath. There are still processes going on. And the processes in Uturuncu are particularly interesting because they're telling us about the liquids and the gasses that are moving through there that might become, or maybe even today are, a reservoir of minerals that could be useful for technology.' Shaped sort of like a sombrero—with the volcano jutting upwards while the area surrounding it sinks below—Uturuncu rests on the largest magma body in the Earth's crust in what's known as the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex. Scientists know that a hydrothermal system connects this body to the surface but has no idea how the internal fluid mechanics of that system work. To get a clearer picture, the research team used seismic tomography, which uses seismic waves from 1,700 earthquake events. Because these waves interact differently with varying materials in the Earth, scientists were able to construct a 3D model of Uturuncu's interior. This model was then combined with other data, including rock composition, for an even higher-resolution snapshot of Uturuncu's magmatic and hydrothermal plumbing. What the scientists discovered is that the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body is likely sending gasses through a narrow pipe, which causes liquids and gasses to accumulate below the volcano's crater and is what likely forms Uturuncu's sombrero-like shape. Because this is caused by liquids and gasses, and not magma, an impending eruption is low, a sigh of relief for locals who live near the volcano. However, studying the internal layout of volcanoes like Uturuncu provides more valuable information than just its explosive probability. 'Fluids are flowing through molten rock and they pick up some minerals on their way, and then they take them somewhere and deposit them,' Pritchard said in a press statement, stating how volcanoes can be breeding grounds for important minerals. 'Even though we're not really worried about this particular volcano erupting in the next few years, we can sort of see in real time the processes of this happening. Clearly there is activity underground that may be even, at some point, economically useful.' Uturuncu also isn't the only 'zombie volcano' of its kind, as many similar formations around the world that haven't erupted for thousands of years though still show a surprising amount of activity. Understanding these signs of activity could help scientists sort through which volcanoes are an impending threat and which are simply blowing smoke. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
The Sun
29-04-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Huge ‘zombie volcano' comes back to life after lying dormant for 250,000 years – and it could erupt at ANY moment
FROM THE ASHES It's the same kind of volcano as Mount Vesuvius which destroyed Pompeii A "ZOMBIE" volcano could be coming back to life after lying dormant for hundreds of thousands of years. Ominous rumblings from deep underground made scientists fear that Uturuncu in Bolivia was on the brink of eruption. 5 5 5 The volcano, in the Andes of southwest Bolivia, last spewed lava 250,000 years ago. It has shown signs of unrest for several decades - including releasing gas and mini earthquakes. And now scientists think they know why. A new study published on Monday in the journal PNAS suggests the disturbances have been caused by swirling of liquid and gas beneath the mountain - rather than an explosive magma build-up. The researches wrote: "This not only explains why a '"zombie'" volcano remains active but also offers insights into its eruption potential." They added that their research has developed a technique that could be help figure out the risk of other, active volcanoes erupting. Uturuncu is a whopping dormant volcano in the middle of South America's barren Andes mountains. It's peak towers 6,008 metres above sea level. Scientists know it as a "stratovolcano", which is the name for the large, steep, cone-shaped structure. This formed by layers of lava, volcanic ash and rock repeatedly hardening over the years. Tourists evacuated as volcano starts erupting in Iceland hols hotspot & red alert issued as magma builds up When stratovolcanoes erupt it is often very explosive, because the thick layers of rock trap gas easily. Mount Vesuvius, which decimated Pompeii, is the most famous example of a stratovolcano. Satellite and GPS radar show that the area around Uturuncu has been deforming in a "sombrero" pattern since the 1990s. This involves the central peak rising whilst its surroundings sink. Uturuncu has been growing upwards at a rate of about 1cm each year, data shows. This gradual shape-shifting, combined with the frequent earthquakes and gas plumes, led some scientists to believe there was a huge build-up of magma underground. 5 5 However, the new study found that - rather than a pressurised build-up of magma - the activity is more likely due to hot fluids and gases being sent up from something called the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body. This is a deep well of magma that sits beneath southern Bolivia, northern Chile and northern Argentina. Scientists think this reservoir is releasing expulsions up chimney-like spouts. These get trapped just below the surface, they believe, and cause some commotion as they break through. If the deformation and earthquakes are due to fluids and gas sloshing around beneath the surface, on not a sharp rise of magma, the volcano is less likely to erupt - as previously feared. Co-author Matthew Pritchard, a Cornell University geophysics professor, said: "The methods in this paper could be applied to the more than 1,400 potentially active volcanoes and to the dozens of volcanoes like Uturuncu that aren't considered active but that show signs of life — other potential zombie volcanoes."
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Huge ‘zombie volcano' comes back to life after lying dormant for 250,000 years – and it could erupt at ANY moment
A "ZOMBIE" volcano could be coming back to life after lying dormant for hundreds of thousands of years. Ominous rumblings from deep underground have made scientists wonder whether Uturuncu in Bolivia could be on the Advertisement 5 The dormant Uturuncu volcano in Bolivia, South America releasing a plume of gas Credit: Alamy 5 The volcano has been shuddering and deforming the ground - sparking fears of an eruption Credit: Getty 5 Some scientists fear there could be a pressurised build up of magma - but this new study disagrees Credit: Getty The It has shown signs of unrest for several decades - including releasing gas and mini earthquakes. And now scientists think they know why. A new study published on Monday in the journal PNAS suggests the disturbances have been caused by the movement of liquid and gas beneath the Advertisement read more in science The researches wrote: "This not only explains why a '"zombie'" volcano remains active but also offers insights into its eruption potential." They added that their research has developed a technique that could be help figure out the risk of other, active volcanoes erupting. Uturuncu is a whopping dormant volcano in the middle of South America's barren Andes mountains. It's peak towers 6,008 metres above sea level. Advertisement Most read in Science Exclusive Scientists know it as a "stratovolcano", which is the name for the large, steep, cone-shaped structure. This formed by layers of lava, volcanic ash and rock repeatedly hardening over the years. Tourists evacuated as volcano starts erupting in Iceland hols hotspot & red alert issued as magma builds up When stratovolcanoes erupt it is often very explosive, because the thick layers of rock trap gas easily. Mount Vesuvius, which decimated Pompeii, is the most famous example of a stratovolcano. Advertisement Satellite and GPS radar show that the area around Uturuncu has been deforming in a "sombrero" pattern since the 1990s. This involves the central peak rising whilst its surroundings sink. Uturuncu has been growing upwards at a rate of about 1cm each year, data shows. This gradual shape-shifting, combined with the frequent earthquakes and gas plumes, led some scientists to believe there was a huge build-up of magma underground. Advertisement 5 Uturuncu rises 6008m above sea level in the Atacama Desert Credit: Alamy 5 Scientists think that liquid and gs sloshing around beneath the surface has caused the disruption Credit: Getty However, the new study found that - rather than a pressurised build-up of magma - the activity is more likely due to hot fluids and gases being sent up from something called the Altiplano-Puna Magma Body. This is a deep well of magma that sits beneath southern Bolivia, northern Chile and northern Argentina. Advertisement Scientists think this reservoir is releasing expulsions up chimney-like spouts. These get trapped just below the surface, they believe, and cause some commotion as they break through. If the deformation and earthquakes are due to fluids and gas sloshing around beneath the surface, on not a sharp rise of magma, the volcano is less likely to erupt - as previously feared. Co-author Matthew Pritchard, a Cornell University geophysics professor, said: "The methods in this paper could be applied to the more than 1,400 potentially active volcanoes and to the dozens of volcanoes like Uturuncu that aren't considered active but that show signs of life — other potential zombie volcanoes ." Advertisement
