China Fears: Scientists Warn Volcano Extinct For 500,000 Years 'appears To Be Recharging'

China fears: Scientists warn volcano extinct
for 500,000 years 'appears to be recharging'

China fears: Scientists warn volcano extinct for 500,000 years 'appears to be recharging'

By
floridapost
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July 25, 2020
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Scientists from the University of Science and Technology
of China were studying the Weishan volcano
– located inside Wudalianchi volcanic field
of the northeast of the country.

This volcano last erupted around 500,000 years ago,
but there have been other, far more recent eruptions in the complex.

The Wudalianchi volcanic field covers around 193 square miles
and contains 14 steep-sided cinder cones that are surrounded by lava flows.

The last eruption at the site was in 1776,
but a study led by Ji Gao – published in the journal Geology last month
– says there may be activity taking place under Weishan.

The team created a 3D map showing the structure beneath,
apparently identifying two magma pockets.

Previously, scientists had identified a shallow magma chamber
beneath the volcano.

In the latest study, the team found this shallow chamber
in the upper crust, along with another deeper down, in the middle crust.

Researchers say the findings are consistent with models
suggesting the magma in the middle crust may be serving
as a source to “recharge the magma chamber in the upper crust.”

The team say that based on their analysis the melt fraction
of the magma in the chambers beneath the volcano
are around 15 percent.

Eruptions are generally thought to take place when this figure
reaches 40 percent, but researchers have warned greater monitoring
must now be introduced.

They also fear that a number of earthquakes reported in the region
since 2008 could indicate the movement of magma
– a signal that an eruption could be on the way.

The study reads: “Considering the significant melt fractions
and active earthquakes and tremors occurring around magma reservoirs,
the Weishan volcano is likely in an active stage with magma recharging.


“When the lower chamber recharges the upper one,
there should be some movement.

“But so far, after decades of monitoring on the site,
we’ve picked up almost nothing. The whole area has been very, very quiet.”

Overall, the study has revealed that the volcanoes
in northeast China could be in an active stage.

This poses a grave threat to human life and the environment,
meaning further monitoring is required to forecast any implications.


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