The world’s highest volcano, Mount Erebus, located in Antarctica, has been spewing gold dust worth a small fortune on a daily basis. This discovery of gold particles being emitted among plumes of gas, steam, and rock bombs has fascinated scientists.
Discovery of Gold at Mount Erebus
Discovered in 1841 by Captain Sir James Clark Ross, Mount Erebus has only been active since 1972. Among Antarctica’s 138 volcanoes, Erebus and Deception Island are the only two classified as active. With an ice-capped exterior, Mount Erebus harbors a scorching hot lava lake within its summit crater, continually bubbling since its activation in 1972.
Unique Conditions for Gold Formation
Conor Bacon of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory highlighted the rare conditions required for the unique phenomenon of gold emissions at Mount Erebus. The volcano’s slow emission of gas allows for the formation of gold crystals, a process impossible on more violently erupting volcanoes. This slow emission leads to the daily release of around 80g of gold specks, estimated to be worth $6,000.
Insight into Gold Speculation
Mount Erebus has also gained attention for its safety practices, unlike other volcanoes, allowing for these delicate gold particles to form. Additionally, the distance the gold particles travel, up to 621 miles, showcases the impressive reach and dispersion of the volcanic activity.
Tragic History and Precautions
Notably, Mount Erebus was involved in a tragic incident in 1979 when an Air New Zealand flight crashed into the volcano, resulting in the loss of all 237 passengers. This event underscores the unpredictable nature of volcanic environments and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
The history of Mount Erebus serves as a reminder of the dangers and unpredictability posed by volcanic activities, prompting ongoing research and monitoring to mitigate potential risks.
