The Stromboli and Etna volcanoes can erupt more explosively due to minute changes in the chemical composition of their magma. This was revealed by a study published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment, conducted by a multidisciplinary team ofNational Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, of the Roma Tre University and of the National Research Council
The Stromboli and Etna volcanoes can erupt more explosively due to minimal variationsin the chemical composition of their magma. The study reveals it “Magma titanium and iron contents dictate crystallization timescales and rheological behavior in basaltic volcanic systems” published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment and conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the Roma Tre University and the National Research Council (Cnr).
"Concentrations of chemical elements such as titanium and iron influence the behavior of the volcano", explains Fabrizio Di Fiore, INGV researcher and first author of the study. "These chemical variations determine the formation of crystals in the magma which increase its viscosity and ability to trap gas bubbles. If the bubbles cannot escape, they accumulate in the volcano, increasing pressure and encouraging explosive eruptions".
"Our study represents a step forward in understanding magma transport, which determines eruptive style", he adds Alessandro Vona, volcanologist at the Roma Tre University. "Basaltic magmas, such as those of Etna and Stromboli, tend to produce effusive eruptions, but our research explains why explosive events occur".
Danilo Di Genova, researcher at the Institute of Science, Technology and Sustainability for the Development of Ceramic Materials of the National Research Council (Cnr-Issmc) points out "The interaction between volcanology and materials science has made it possible to highlight that even small variations in the concentration of iron and titanium in magma can influence the behavior of volcanoes. This is because some magmas are able to solubilize these two elements very effectively, while other magmas tend to quickly expel them in the form of crystals".
"The results demonstrate the importance of experimental studies in volcanology and petrology to improve our understanding of volcanoes", he concludes Piergiorgio Scarlato, INGV researcher and coordinator of the INGV UNO Project on the explosive volcanism of Stromboli, in which the research was conducted. "The collaboration between INGV, Roma Tre University and CNR was fundamental for this scientific advancement". The next phase of the study plans to link experimental observations to natural processes, with the aim of developing predictive models of volcanic eruptions on a probabilistic basis.
This work will help improve the study of volcanic eruption predictions in relation to the safety of communities living near active volcanoes.
Link to the study
How to quote:
Di Fiore, F., Vona, A., Di Genova, D. et al. Magma titanium and iron contents dictate crystallization timescales and rheological behavior in basaltic volcanic systems. Commun Earth Environ 5 (283). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01452-1
Useful links
Video Etna and Stromboli (to be used freely quoting the source)
Paroxysm at the South-East Crater of Etna, 14-15 March 2021
Photo 1. The crater area of the Stromboli volcano
Photo 2. Stromboli eruptive activity
Photo 3. Stromboli eruptive activity