Why shrinking glaciers could mean more volcanic eruptions. (2017, November 30). Retrieved December 11, 2017, from https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21731814-volcanology-and-glaciology-why-shrinking-glaciers-could-mean-more-volcanic

 

By: Preeya Ninan

According to an article published in The Economist titled, “Why shrinking glaciers could mean more volcanic eruptions,” geologists explore the relationship between glacial activity and volcanic activity, specifically meaning the shrinking and melting of glaciers and how that is related to the happening of volcanic eruptions. Based on correlation and observation of events, it was observed that during an Ice Age, where there was a significant presence of glaciers, volcanic activity was next to nothing. Once the Ice Age had passed and glaciers were shrinking and melting, however, volcanoes began to erupt more frequently and readily. After further research, it was concluded that the presence of glaciers worked to prevent the eruption of volcanoes, due to pressure levels between the ice sheets on the surface and the heat of the crust and earth’s mantle.

As we are currently in a period of global warming, where human activity is working to increase the earth’s temperature, melting and shrinking icebergs and remaining glaciers, this research shows that we can expect an increase in volcanic activity and volcanic eruptions. It’s important to consider the implications of what this might mean, as well as looking at active volcanoes around the world and preparing with necessary precautions to adapt to the way that the earth is moving.