National Geographic News, Reporting Your World Daily

Monday, November 23, 2009

Photo: Volcanic "Fizz" That Triggers Explosive Eruptions Starts Deep


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Gases fizzing out of the magma from Italy's Stromboli volcano originate far deeper than scientists thought: about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) beneath the crater, near the base of the mountain, a new study reveals.

Better understanding of these gases is important, because they cause unpredictable and explosive eruptions at Stromboli and similar peaks that pose dangers to tourists and observing scientists.

Illustration by Miranda Mulligan/NGS