New findings on the eruption history of the West Eifel maar volcanoes
Researchers have successfully dated the most recent volcanic eruptions in the West Eifel region of Germany to approximately 25,000 years ago. The study used a novel uranium-thorium/helium dating method on zircon crystals to clarify the history of these maar volcanoes.
Why it matters
Refining the eruption history of volcanic fields is essential for improving hazard assessments and understanding volcanic activity patterns worldwide.
edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Alexander Pol
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source The most recent eruptive pulse of the West Eifel Volcanic Field occurred approximately 25,000 years ago. At that time, a group of volcanic lakes known as the Dauner Maare were formed, among others. Credit: Anne Sturm The West Eifel Volcanic Field comprises more than 100 maars—circular lakes formed by explosive eruptions. Until now, little was known about when these volcanic eruptions occurred. A research team from Heidelberg University, Curtin University in Perth, Australia, and the University of Göttingen has now reliably dated the most recent eruptions of the maar volcanoes.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in