Antarctica’s Mount Erebus, one of the world’s southernmost active volcanoes, is making headlines for more than just its fiery eruptions. Scientists have recently discovered that the volcano’s gas gusts contain tiny crystals of metallic gold, estimated to release about 80 grams of gold daily, worth approximately $6,000.
This unexpected finding has intrigued researchers, as the gold dust from Mount Erebus can travel up to 621 miles from the volcano. The volcano’s unique location above a thin slice of crust allows molten rock to easily make its way to the surface, resulting in regular gas and steam emissions, as well as occasional rock explosions in strombolian eruptions, according to NASA.
Overlooking the McMurdo research station on Ross Island, Mount Erebus has had an active lava lake in its summit crater since 1972. Due to its remote location, researchers have to monitor the volcano using satellites from afar.
This fascinating discovery adds a new layer to the scientific understanding of volcanoes and their potential mineral wealth. With Mount Erebus’s daily release of gold, researchers are eager to further study its geological makeup and the processes behind the formation of gold crystals in its gas emissions.
The story was reported from Washington, D.C., shedding light on the remarkable findings at Antarctica’s Mount Erebus. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing discovery on Road Rug Cars.
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