Extraordinary volcano expels 80 grams of gold per day and stays in a place you can’t even imagine

Our scientific journey takes us to Mount Erebus, whose summit rises to 3,794 meters above sea level, on the Antarctic continent. It has the most important volcanic activity in these latitudes on Earth – since at least 1972 – and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Added to its extreme location in AntarcticaMount Erebus has prominent features such as a lava lake that is visible from its crater.

However, what has recently caught the attention of geologists and economists is the unique gold dust that he expels every dayin an amount close to 80 gramswhich would be pure gold.

The gold found in Erebus emissions is a fascinating window into underlying geological processes and, potentially, new forms of mining, noted Conor Bacon of Columbia University.

According to scientists, the volcano expels tiny gold crystals within its clouds of steam and gaswhich can be found within a radius of more than 1,000 km.

Interest in exploration would put biodiversity conservation at risk

Studies suggest that the emission of gold from Mount Erebus would be generated by the unknown quantities of metals and minerals beneath the Antarctic soil, which are brought to the surface by the volcano.

The most complex thing about this situation is that the discovery goes beyond the scientific, as it causes a excessive interest in mineral exploration found in protected and remote regions of the planet.

Economic interest is raising debates about the conservation of the white continent’s biodiversity due to its great potential for mining exploration.

Opportunity to collect data and project future scenarios according to Mount Erebus emissions

It must always be borne in mind that research carried out in such extreme environments on Earth includes monumental logistical challenges.

For example, the scientific expeditions are limited in duration and frequency because they must transport supplies – such as water and food – along with research devices and tools under complex weather conditions.

The constant activity of the Mount Erebus volcano is an excellent opportunity to project the effects that its emissions will have on Antarctica’s biodiversity and, therefore, on the planet.

O mysterious Mount Erebus will continue to attract adventurers and scientists with its charms due to the golden mystique of its clouds, which in turn will provide concrete answers to what happens under the ice of Antarctica and its possible hidden treasures.