Revealing the Surprising Eruption Patterns of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa Volcanoes

Scientists have discovered that volcanoes within Earth's tectonic plates erupt differently than previously thought. A new study reveals that carbon dioxide, not water, propels magma up and out of these volcanoes. The magma originates from much deeper reserves in Earth's mantle, rather than the outer crust. This finding challenges the prevailing belief that water is the main eruption driver. The study focused on basaltic volcanoes, which are highly explosive and produce runnier lava. Understanding the role of carbon dioxide in these eruptions could help improve future volcanic hazard mitigation.