Mount Erebus, located on the island of Ross in Antarctica, is a volcano that has been fascinating scientists around the world. What’s remarkable about this volcano is that it doesn’t spew out lava or ash, but instead expels gold. This phenomenon has been occurring since its discovery in 1841 by Captain James Clark Ross. The volcano has been erupting continuously since 1972, but unlike other volcanoes, it releases gases in a relatively relaxed manner, creating perfect conditions for gold to solidify into tiny particles.
The combination of slow volcanic activity and the cold air characteristic of the region is the reason behind this phenomenon. As the volcano releases its gases, a concentration of metal particles, including gold, is generated inside. The Erebus constantly emits gas and steam that contains metals like gold, which can even be detected over 965 kilometers away from the crater. This unique process allows gold to solidify in tiny particles, creating a sort of “rain” of gold.
An unusual volcano that expels gold and amazes half the world
The value of the gold expelled by the volcano is estimated to be around $600 per day, with the volcano producing about 80 grams of gold daily. At the current price of $82 per gram, this translates to a value of approximately $6,500 every day. Although the quantities of gold expelled are not large, the fact that this process occurs continuously makes the volcano a natural source of gold. What’s more, human intervention is not required, making it a fascinating and unique natural phenomenon.
The science behind the creation of gold from a volcano is extremely rare and only occurs in specific places with adequate conditions, such as those presented by Erebus. This is why the volcano is of great importance to scientists, who are still studying this phenomenon to understand its intricacies. The slow and constant activity of Erebus has created the perfect conditions for gold to form and be expelled in small air particles, making it a truly unique geological phenomenon.
A unique geological phenomenon in the entire world
There is no other volcano like Mount Erebus in the world, and its location in one of the most remote areas on Earth adds to its mystique. Most volcanoes produce gases and minerals that do not have the same crystallization process as gold, making Erebus a fascinating subject of study. Scientists like Conor Bacon from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University have been studying the rarity of this phenomenon and have also been surprised by the presence of a permanent lava lake inside the volcano, which is a rare occurrence.
The combination of Erebus’ slow and leisurely volcanic activity, along with the icy air in the region, makes it one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth. The fact that it expels gold powder is not only a natural spectacle but also a mystery that is still being studied by scientists. As research continues to uncover the secrets of Mount Erebus, it remains a fascinating and unique geological phenomenon that captivates the imagination of people around the world.
