How could Antarctica ice melting impact volcanic activity and climate change?

The release of volatile gases trapped in magma chambers further intensifies the process.

As climate change hastens the melting of Antarctica's extensive ice sheet, scientists caution that it could uncover over 100 concealed volcanoes beneath the frozen continent.

This phenomenon, caused by the decreased pressure on underground magma chambers, might lead to subglacial eruptions with significant impacts on the environment and global climate systems.

A study featured in Geochemistry, Geophysics, and Geosystems explains how the thinning Antarctic Ice Sheet could trigger volcanic activity.

Dr. Emily Coonin and her team conducted 4,000 computer simulations to investigate the connection between ice melt and magma dynamics beneath the surface. Their results indicate that as ice retreats, the reduction in pressure above allows magma to expand, stressing the chamber walls and increasing the likelihood of eruptions.

This process is further intensified by the release of volatile gases trapped in magma chambers. Normally, these gases remain dissolved due to high pressure. As the ice diminishes, the gases escape, raising internal pressure and potentially triggering volcanic activity—a phenomenon similar to the fizzing of a soda bottle when opened.

Although subglacial eruptions are hidden beneath the ice, their regional effects could be significant. The heat from volcanic activity could speed up ice melting from below, undermining the ice sheet's stability. This could create a feedback loop where increased melting leads to more eruptions, amplifying the effects of climate change.

While these geological changes have occurred over centuries, their consequences could surpass current climate mitigation efforts. Researchers suggest that similar volcanic activity might have influenced events during the last ice age, highlighting the complex interactions between ice melt and geological forces.