Molecular dynamics calculations suggest that molten hydrogen-bearing iron peroxide (FeO2Hx) may produce the ultra-low velocity zones that occur at the core-mantle boundary.
lava & magma
Posted inNews
Alexander R. “Mac” McBirney (1924–2019)
This former West Point graduate and coffee grower transformed igneous petrology and volcanology.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Age and Speed Matter in the Formation of New Oceanic Crust
A synthesis of data from studies in different ocean basins reveals that the characteristics of oceanic crust are shaped by age and spreading rate.
Posted inScience Updates
Planning an International Magma Observatory
A planned project will drill into a magma reservoir in Iceland that has never erupted to the surface, giving scientists a fresh look at Earth’s underground “plumbing.”
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Crystals Connect Bubbles in Explosive Magmas
Hydrous silica-rich magmas can degas through connected bubble pathways when as little as 20% crystals are present, influencing transitions from explosive, Vulcanian-style eruptions to lava effusion.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
On the Prospect of Ancient Metallic Volcanism on Asteroids
There is a possibility of ancient volcanism on metallic asteroids, a new type of volcanism that is not yet observed, though the Psyche mission to the asteroid Psyche may change that soon.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
No Underground Magma Ocean on Jupiter’s Fiery Moon?
A new study suggests alternative explanations for Io’s unusual magnetic field.
Posted inNews
More Than 30,000 Earthquakes Trace the Movement of Magma
Seismometers near Iceland’s Bárðarbunga volcanic system pinpointed thousands of earthquakes in 2014–2015, revealing where molten rock was moving underground before any eruptions occurred.
Posted inScience Updates
Forensic Probe of Bali’s Great Volcano
Evidence from volcanic crystals sheds light on magma storage under Mount Agung and helps explain this giant volcano’s frequent eruptions.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
A New Tool for Studying Volcanic Eruptions Like Kīlauea
A new study sheds light on how magma erodes the conduit it flows through.