At first, we may think that volcanic eruptions are not determined by the climatic changes of the host planet, but according to a study published in the scientific journal 'Geology' reveals that the melting of glaciers influences the activity of volcanoes.
But how? To carry out that conclusion as interesting as dramatic examined Icelandic volcanic ash, which was preserved in deposits of peat and lake sediments. Thus, they were able to identify a period of volcanic activity between 4500 and 5500 years ago.
At that time, there was a significant decrease in temperature, which caused the glaciers to grow rapidly. This fact could have "reassured" the volcanoes. However, As the planet warmed up again, the number of volcanic eruptions increased.
»When glaciers recede, the pressure on the Earth's surface is reduced. This can increase the melting of the mantle, as well as affect the flow and amount of magma that the crust can support, 'explained Professor Ivan Savov from the University of Leeds, who is one of the study's co-authors.
The most surprising thing is that even small changes in surface pressure could alter the likelihood of volcano eruptions covered in ice. One more reason to take whatever measures are necessary to prevent the global average temperature from rising by more than 2 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
If we do nothing, the thaw will not only leave us without the fantastic ski slopes that, for now, we can enjoy every winter, but in addition to having to get used to living with intense droughts and floods, we will have to do the same with the eruptions volcanic, something that could be much more complicated.
To read the full study, you can do click here.