Earth and Planetary Sciences · Geophysics

High-pressure geophysics and materials

Kīlauea’s explosive magma may have waited years without a final boost

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.

1 week ago·15 views

Climate & Environment

Iron at Earth’s deep boundary may explain heavy isotopes in ocean lava

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.

2 weeks ago·53 views