Ancient Irish volcano provides new clues to modern day eruptions
Scientists from Trinity College Dublin are studying an ancient, extinct volcano in Ireland to better understand the plumbing systems of active volcanoes. The research reveals that magma can shift between liquid and crystalline states, providing new insights into eruption triggers.
Why it matters
Improved understanding of volcanic plumbing systems can lead to better monitoring and prediction of eruptions in active volcanic regions.
An ancient Irish volcano is challenging scientific understanding of how eruptions occur.
The secrets that lie beneath Carlingford Mountain in Co Louth could improve monitoring of its active cousins and help pinpoint when they are likely to erupt.
An international team led by scientists from Trinity College Dublin has found the common view of a volcano as being located above a vat of bubbling molten rock or magma simply waiting to explode does not always hold true.
They discovered the rock beneath Carlingford Mountain was connected to a complex “plumbing system” through which magma came and went.
At times it pooled under the volcano as boiling liquid but other times it lingered in a semi-molten state heavy with crystallised rock, with a texture the Trinity team described as being like a “slushy” flavoured ice drink.
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