World at Risk: Melting Ice Could Trigger Eruptions of Hundreds of Volcanoes

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The impact of climate change is being felt across the globe, and Antarctica is no exception. Recent findings suggest that the rapid melting of ice sheets in Antarctica is not only affecting the region’s ice cover but could also trigger volcanic activity beneath the surface.

A new study, based on advanced computer simulations, claims that the loss of ice sheets could lead to the eruption of dormant volcanoes in Antarctica. As the ice melts, the pressure on the underlying rocks decreases, which may allow magma to expand, increasing the chances of volcanic eruptions. The study highlights that the melting of ice sheets caused by climate change could elevate the likelihood of volcanic eruptions. The reduction in surface pressure allows volatile gases trapped within magma chambers to escape, which, in turn, increases the pressure within the chambers and raises the potential for eruptions.

These findings come from simulations aimed at understanding the impact of ice sheet melt on Antarctica’s volcanoes. The study concludes that the slow, gradual melting of ice over centuries could lead to an increase in both the frequency and intensity of sub-ice volcanic eruptions. While volcanic eruptions are not immediately visible on the surface, the heat produced can have a direct impact on the ice sheets. The increased warmth could accelerate the melting beneath the ice, weakening the ice sheets and contributing to rising sea levels.

Experts warn that this process could continue for centuries, even with efforts to curb human-induced climate change, raising concerns over the long-term effects on both the environment and global sea levels. The study suggests that the interaction between ice melt and volcanic activity could create a feedback loop, further exacerbating the challenges posed by climate change.