Earth and Planetary Sciences · Geophysics
A paper in the Journal of Applied Volcanology catalogs 18 common misconceptions about volcanoes and eruptions, from volcanic ash and smoke to forecasts and “supervolcanoes.” It also examines seven case studies where incorrect information spread during events at volcanoes including Mount Agung, Kīlauea and Taal.
Crystals from Kīlauea’s explosive eruption around 900 C.E. suggest its magma may have been stored for years without a last-minute injection of new magma. The result indicates that such mixing may not be necessary for an explosive eruption at the volcano.
Iron-rich regions at the boundary between Earth’s core and mantle may store heavy iron isotopes and carry them upward in rising mantle plumes. The proposed deep source could help explain why ocean-island basalts have heavier and more variable iron isotope compositions than mid-ocean ridge basalts.
