The rapidly melting Antarctic ice sheet could trigger the eruption of over 100 volcanoes hidden beneath the ice. The thinning ice is destabilizing the volcano’s magma chambers, say scientists. The consequences could be disastrous.
The new study analyzes the complex interplay between the melting ice and the geological formations beneath Antarctica. Using 4,000 computer simulations, scientists predicted how the decreasing ice impacts magma chambers. As the ice sheets melt, their mass plummets, and so does the pressure in the chambers. This means that the compressed magma can expand. Gases in the chambers can then escape more easily, and eruptions are more likely to happen.
Many eruptions would be hidden from view, occurring beneath the thick layers of remaining ice, but their impact could extend well beyond the polar region.
The Antarctic Peninsula. Photo: Shutterstock
The increased volcanic activity would create a slow feedback loop. When a volcano erupts beneath the ice, it releases heat, which further accelerates the melting. This reduces pressure on other nearby magma chambers, triggering further eruptions and ultimately affecting global climate. It would also raise sea levels and release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Studying active volcanoes is a dangerous career, but it becomes nearly impossible when the volcanic eruptions occur under a thick ice sheet. Scientists must rely on ice-penetrating radar and satellite imagery to identify subglacial eruptions.
Previous studies suggest that Antarctica harbors nearly 140 volcanoes beneath the ice, waiting for an opportunity to erupt.
