On the island of Ross, Antarctica, one of the most singular volcanoes on the planet is lifted. Mount Erebus is known to be the southernmost active volcano of the world and for maintaining a permanent lava lake for decades. But a recent discovery has added a new layer of scientific interest: this volcano emits microscopic gold particles every day.
According to the US channel, Erebus emissions contain suspended metal powder that disperses in the polar atmosphere. It is estimated that the volcano can release up to 80 grams of gold per day, which, to the current price, would correspond to about six thousand euros.
Gold particles transported by the wind
According to the same source, these particles were detected through atmospheric analyzes performed at a great distance from the crater, which proves the dispersal capacity of antarctic winds.
The discovery has no direct economic implications, as there is no technical feasibility for collecting this material. As the researchers explained by ABC NewsGold is in the form of microscopic particles, difficult to concentrate and collect.
Study opens doors to new research lines
The publication adds that this rare phenomenon is now being studied with extra attention, because it can contribute to a better understanding of the geological processes associated with the formation and liberation of precious metals in volcanic environments.
The team of scientists points out that Erebus acts as a natural laboratory at the end of the planet, allowing to observe phenomena that could hardly be reproduced in a controlled context.
Decades of continuous scientific monitoring
Mount Erebus has been researching since the late 1970s. It refers to the same source as the first evidence of the presence of metals in volcanic emissions date back at this time, but only recently it was possible to quantify the daily liberation of gold.
Maintaining Lava Lake over half a century offers exceptional conditions for the continuous study of volcanic activity in an extreme environment.
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Climate and glacial pressure impacts
In addition to the geological interest, Erebus is also at the Center for Studies related to climate change. As researcher José Pichel, cited in various academic works, the progressive defrost can change the pressure on subglastic magmatic chambers, modifying volcano behavior.
According to the same source, this phenomenon may contribute to increased volcanic activity in the Western Antarctic, with potential consequences for the balance of glaciers and the average sea level.
Tragedy marked the history of Mount Erebus
On November 28, 1979, Mount Erebus was the scene of one of the largest air tragedies in recent history. Air New Zealand flight 901 collided with the slopes of the volcano during a tourist flight, causing the death of 257 people.
Investigations pointed to a Whiteout phenomenon, an extreme visual condition in which the sky and soil appear to merge, eliminating the perception of relief and depth.
An active volcano in one of the most inhospitable places on the planet
At 3,794 meters of altitude, Erebus maintains a constant activity, which makes it unique in the polar context. Its remote location and the hostile environment of Antarctica make it difficult to access, but also offer rare conditions for the preservation of atmospheric and geological data.
The gold emission in this volcano, although impossible to explore commercially, raises relevant questions about the chemical composition of volcanic gases and the planet’s internal processes.
The symbolic value of a rare phenomenon
Although gold released by Erebus is not usable, its existence is a reminder of the mineral potential hidden under Antarctic ice.
For scientists, it represents one more piece in the puzzle of understanding terrestrial dynamics, especially in areas where human impact is almost nonexistent.
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