Unveiling the Role of Carbon Dioxide in Explosive Basaltic Volcanoes

Geoscientists at Cornell University have discovered that gaseous carbon dioxide, not water, triggers explosive eruptions in basaltic volcanoes. Their research suggests that these volcanoes are fed by deep magma within the mantle, bypassing storage in the Earth's crust. The study provides new insights into the internal dynamics and composition of the Earth, with implications for volcanic-hazards planning. The scientists developed new research tools, including a high-precision carbon dioxide densimeter, to examine microscopic carbon dioxide bubbles trapped in volcanic crystals. Understanding magma storage is crucial for better preparing for future eruptions.