Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 29
Methana volcano's 700,000-year history shows long dormancy before reawakening
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 29

Methana volcano's 700,000-year history shows long dormancy before reawakening

7 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 29
  • Researchers led by Răzvan-Gabriel Popa analyzed over 1,250 zircon crystals from Methana, about 60 km southwest of Athens.
  • Their study reveals Methana experienced a 112,000-year dormant period, with magma accumulating underground, challenging the idea that 10,000 years of inactivity means extinction.
  • These findings suggest many seemingly inactive volcanoes worldwide may still build magma chambers, prompting calls for improved monitoring and reassessment of volcanic hazards.
How can tiny crystals reveal a volcano's 700,000-year-old secrets?
If magma is building up, why aren't these dormant volcanoes erupting?
Can new 'Jerk' detectors warn us before silent volcanoes erupt?
Which cities are unknowingly built on volcanoes that could reawaken?
From Vesuvius to the Cascades, which sleeping giant will wake next?
Should we redraw safety maps around volcanoes we once called dead?