Deep-sea volcanic eruptions have long been considered useless in terms of energy release.
But the data collected by the remotely controlleddevices in the depths of the northeastern Pacific Ocean and analyzed by scientists at the University of Leeds, revealed a connection between the way ash is scattered during underwater eruptions and the creation of large and powerful streams of heated water rising from the ocean floor (scientists call them megatubes).
They contain hot water rich in chemicalsubstances. The dimensions of megatubes are enormous, the volume of water in them is equivalent to 40 million Olympic swimming pools. They have been found above various underwater volcanoes, but their origin remains unknown. New research shows that they form rapidly during lava eruptions.
It has become easier to predict the type of volcanic eruption: magma viscosity indicators helped
Scientists have developed a mathematical modelshowing how the ash of underwater eruptions spreads at a distance of several kilometers from the volcano. They used a model of ash deposited from a historic underwater eruption to reconstruct its dynamics. This showed that the rate of energy released and needed to transport ash over long distances is greater than the energy consumed by the entire US population.
Studies have shown that underwater eruptionslead to the formation of megatubes, but the release of energy occurs so quickly that it cannot be provided only from molten lava. Instead, the study concludes that underwater volcanic eruptions result in the rapid pouring of hot fluids into the earth's crust.
Read more
Ingenuity helicopter successfully takes off on Mars
The first accurate map of the world was created. What's wrong with everyone else?
NASA told how they will deliver samples of Mars to Earth