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Surprising volcano truths: Eifel researchers reveal secrets!
A comprehensive study carried out in the Vulkaneifel between 2022 and 2023 reveals new insights into the Laacher See magma reservoir and shows that the region remains active.
Surprising volcano truths: Eifel researchers reveal secrets!
What is actually going on in Lake Laach? Even though the volcano in the Eifel has been dormant for over 13,000 years, a comprehensive research campaign is causing a stir. A team from the GFZ Helmholtz Center for Georesearch took a close look at the Eifel, one of the most active volcanic regions in Central Europe, between autumn 2022 and summer 2023. Over 500 seismic sensors were deployed and connected to a 40-mile fiber optic cable to measure vibrations and temperature changes. The aim was to measure and understand the magma reservoir beneath Lake Laacher, which played a central role in the last eruption - Merkur reports that ....
The results of the study are quite surprising. Researchers found that the magma reservoir is deeper and inclined more obliquely than previously thought. It extends to a depth of ten kilometers and is particularly active in a vertical area between Ochtendung and Lake Laacher See. Over a thousand microquakes were recorded in one year. Such quakes cluster at the edges of zones where seismic waves propagate differently, suggesting possible higher temperatures. Strong reflections of seismic waves in the Neuwied Basin also indicate that fluid accumulations exist there, the precise properties of which - whether magma or magmatic fluids - are still unclear. GFZ informs, among other things, about the exciting investigation....
A look into the depths
The shape of the magma reservoir is also interesting: a cylindrical body, about three kilometers in diameter and 75 km³ in volume. According to the research, increased ratios of P to S wave speeds indicate that hot, fluid or melt-bearing rock is present beneath Lake Laacher. The magnetic fluid flows appear to be directly linked to earthquake activity in the region. Since 2013, earthquakes at depths of 10 to 43 km show that these fluids are rising. Erdbebennews describes the current findings....
Although the Laacher See volcano is currently inactive, a future eruption remains likely. However, the exact timeline is uncertain. The findings on the volcanic structures beneath the Eifel not only provide a basis for risk assessment, but also illustrate the need for constant monitoring of the region. In recent months, not only microearthquakes have been detected, but smaller anomalies have also been identified among other volcanic centers, indicating active geological processes.
A milestone for volcano research
This comprehensive study is considered groundbreaking for volcano research in Germany and can make an important contribution to the future activities of the Laacher See volcano. With a high sensitivity to possible developments in the region, we must be aware of the fact that there is more to the Eifel than meets the eye at first glance. Scientists led by Prof. Dr. Torsten Dahm is planning further analyzes to learn more about the fluids and rocks in the earth's crust and what significance their inclined position has with regard to future volcanic events. In summary, we can say: There is something going on!