Scientists from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland have made a surprising discovery beneath the thick ice cap of Antarctica. Using satellite, aerial, and lidar images, they have uncovered 91 previously unknown volcanoes located on the seafloor beneath the Ross Ice Shelf. This area is likely the most volcanic region on Earth, causing significant concerns among scientists.
In May of this year, the awakening of an underwater volcano in the Bransfield Strait shook the coastlines of Antarctica 85,000 times. Although there was no eruption, a similar event could happen with numerous other volcanoes whose activity is not known to us. Scientists fear that some of these volcanoes may currently be in an eruptive state.
Another worrisome factor is the disintegration of the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica, which is considered the most dangerous in the world. The base of this glacier is being warmed by seawater, which is 2 degrees warmer than usual in that part of Antarctica. Scientists believe this could be a result of heating by volcanic magma flowing towards the surface.
The eruptions of all the volcanoes beneath the Ross Ice Shelf could lead to a rise in sea levels by several meters, potentially causing a global flood in the worst-case scenario. Researchers consider volcano eruptions to be the greatest current threat to humanity, surpassing earthquakes, tsunamis, climate change, and even asteroid impacts. It is important to recognize that this threat applies not only to remote areas but also to Poland and other countries worldwide.
The discovery of these unknown volcanoes in Antarctica provides further evidence that our planet is full of unexplored and unpredictable areas. It is worth increasing scientific efforts and doing everything in our power to better understand and predict the hazards that may arise from such discoveries. Only then will we be able to effectively protect our societies and natural environment from potential disasters.
The scientists from the University of Edinburgh have discovered 91 unknown volcanoes beneath the Ross Ice Shelf. It is likely the most volcanic region on Earth. The awakening of an underwater volcano in May of this year has caused concern among scientists. They fear that many other volcanoes may be active, with some possibly in an eruptive state. The disintegration of the Thwaites Glacier, considered the most dangerous in the world, is also worrying. The warming of the glacier base by seawater, possibly due to volcanic magma, could lead to a rise in sea levels. Eruptions of the volcanoes beneath the ice shelf may pose the greatest threat to humanity, surpassing earthquakes, tsunamis, climate change, and asteroid impacts. The threat extends beyond remote areas, reaching Poland and other countries worldwide.
Scientists are calling for an increased scientific effort to understand and predict the hazards associated with unexplored areas. Protecting societies and the natural environment from potential disasters requires a better understanding of these threats.
Definitions:
1. Lidar – a technology that uses the emission and reception of light radiation to measure distances and other parameters of objects.
2. Thwaites Glacier – the largest glacier in Antarctica, considered one of the most dangerous.
3. Volcano eruption – the explosion of a volcano that ejects lava, gas, steam, and other materials onto the surface.
4. Sea level – the height of water in the oceans measured relative to a reference point.
5. Global flood – an event in which sea levels rise significantly, submerging substantial land areas.
Suggested related links:
University of Edinburgh
National Geographic
The source of the article is from the blog bitperfect.pe