A recent study has discovered that glaciers located within three miles of a volcano move nearly 50% faster than the average, potentially aiding in the early detection of future eruptions.
In a newly released article in Communications Earth & Environment, researchers from the University of Aberdeen, University of Birmingham, and Manchester Metropolitan University examined velocity data from around 85% of the world’s 217,000 glaciers. After accounting for various factors like climate, ice thickness, and slope of the surface, they found that glaciers near active volcanoes typically flowed 46% quicker than their distant counterparts.
The study included glaciers from several of the world’s most well-known and notorious volcanoes, such as Mt. Rainier and Glacier Peak in Washington, Mt. Redoubt and Mt. Veniaminof in Alaska, and Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull, which erupted for three months in 2010, disrupting air travel for approximately 10 million passengers.
The analysis of these glaciers indicates that strong geothermal heat from nearby volcanic activity likely warms the base of the glaciers, increasing the melting of ice. This additional melting reduces the friction between the glacier and the underlying rock, allowing the glacier to flow more swiftly.
These findings could help volcanologists set up a new early warning system for potential eruptions at locations like Eyjafjallajokull by monitoring changes in glacier movement, which may indicate an increase in volcanic activity several months before an eruption occurs.
Dr. Joseph Mallalieu from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and the lead author of the study, stated, “Our research has significant implications for managing volcanic risks. Ice-covered volcanoes are among the most hazardous globally, as glacial meltwater released during eruptions can lead to sudden floods and debris flows that can quickly engulf nearby communities.”
“The presence of ice complicates traditional volcanic monitoring methods. Recent findings have shown that the size, shape, and elevation of glaciers can react to volcanic activities, but the link between volcanism and glacier flow has been previously unclear. Our results suggest that using satellite observations of glacier velocity could serve as a promising new method for monitoring volcanic behavior and forecasting eruptions.”
Professor Matteo Spagnolo from the School of Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen, a co-author of the study, added, “If we can use glacier velocity as an indicator months prior to an eruption, we can concentrate monitoring efforts on volcanoes that are likely to erupt, enhancing communication with decision-makers.”
“This could provide crucial early warnings for local authorities to prepare for potential evacuations of nearby cities or to establish no-fly zones without having to make last-minute decisions. It will also assist in preparing the local population well in advance.”
Dr. Iestyn Barr, a Reader in Glaciovolcanology at Manchester Metropolitan University and co-author of the study, mentioned, “The possibility that glacier monitoring can aid in predicting volcanic eruptions is an exciting and important discovery from this research. In the coming years, we hope to explore and leverage this potential for volcanoes covered by glaciers around the world.”
