An active volcano in Antarctica not only emits ash like other volcanoes but also spews gold dust. Scientists have calculated the total amount of gold that this volcano releases into the atmosphere each day.
There is a saying that Antarctica is a land of ice and fire, and it is indeed true. This region is extremely cold, covered in ice with very low temperatures, yet it is home to many volcanoes containing molten “lakes” of lava. A study in 2017 identified 138 volcanoes in the western part of Antarctica alone.
However, in modern history, only three volcanoes here are still active, with one of the most violent being Mount Erebus. This volcano is the highest active volcano in Antarctica (3,794 meters) and the southernmost active volcano on Earth.
Erebus also has a peculiar characteristic: Scientists have discovered that the gases it emits are filled with tiny gold crystals, measuring under 20 micrometers. They estimate that each day, this volcano releases approximately 80 grams of gold, valued at around $6,500 (over 160 million VND), according to the science website IFL Science.
Mount Erebus. (Photo: polarman/ Shutterstock).
Why does Mount Erebus emit gold dust?
British volcanologist Tamsin Mather explained to Metro that the magma (molten rock) of Mount Erebus has an “unusual chemical reaction.”
Ms. Mather stated: “Erebus is one of the few volcanoes with a continuously active lava lake inside its crater, and it emits gases 24/7. Among the gases it releases are tiny particles of various metals, including gold, not just gold… Each volcano has slightly different characteristics/chemical reactions, and there are a few other volcanoes besides Erebus that also emit (dust) gold.”
Satellite image of Mount Erebus. (Photo: Planet Observer/ UIG/ REX/ Shutterstock).
But the gold dust emitted by Mount Erebus is dispersed over great distances. Antarctic researchers have detected gold in the air surrounding the volcano, up to 1,000 km away. Because the gold dust is so fine and spreads over such a wide area, no one can collect it (even if they were allowed to).
