Our scientific journey takes us to Mount Erebus, whose peak reaches 3,794 meters above sea level on the white continent. It has the most important volcanic activity at these latitudes on Earth – at least since 1972 – and is located on a “hot spot”. In addition to its extreme location in Antarctica, Mount Erebus has notable features, such as a lava lake visible from its crater.
Antarctica, photos of the spectacular volcano where lava makes its way through the ice
However, what recently attracted the attention of geologists and economists it is the particular gold dust that the volcano expels every day, in a quantity close to 80 grams, which would be pure gold. The gold found in the Erebus emissions is a fascinating window into underlying geological processes and, potentially, new forms of mining, noted Conor Bacon of Columbia University. According to scientists, the volcano ejects tiny gold crystals within its clouds of steam and gas, which can be found in a radius of more than 1,000 km.
Interest in mineral exploitation would put the conservation of Antarctic biodiversity at risk
Studies suggest that the gold output on Mount Erebus would be generated by unknown quantities of metals and minerals beneath Antarctica’s soil, which are brought to the surface by the volcano.
The most complex thing about this situation is that the discovery goes beyond the scientific field, as it causes excessive interest in the exploitation of minerals found in protected and remote regions of the planet. Economic interest is provoking debates on the conservation of the biodiversity of the white continent due to its colossal potential for mineral exploitation.
Ability to collect data and project future scenarios based on emissions from Mount Erebus
We must always keep in mind that the Research conducted in such extreme environments on Earth poses enormous logistical challenges. For example, scientific expeditions are limited in duration and frequency because they must transport supplies, such as water and food, along with research devices and instruments in complex weather conditions.
On Earth there is a volcano with “cold” and black lava
The constant activity of the Mount Erebus volcano is an excellent opportunity to project the effects that its emissions will have on the biodiversity of Antarctica and, therefore, on the planet. The mysterious Mount Erebus will continue to attract adventurers and scientists with its allure due to the golden mystique of its clouds, which in turn will provide concrete answers to what happens under the ice of Antarctica and its possible hidden treasures.
