The 365 Days of Astronomy EVSN - Iceland Has a New Volcanic Fissure Erupting in Fagradalsfjall
May 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guest Nick Castle, a petrologist and researcher at the Planetary Science Institute with a focus on Mars, sheds light on the recent volcanic activity in Iceland's Fagradalsfjall. He explores the unique geological features of this eruption and its implications for regional archaeology. The conversation also touches on fascinating topics like Martian spiders, new basalt types, and methane leaks from melting ice, connecting these phenomena to Earth's dynamic systems and environmental challenges.
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Martian Spiders Explained
- Martian "spiders" form from dry ice sublimation directly from solid to gas in the soil during seasonal changes.
- Lab simulations at Mars-like conditions confirm this process, clarifying surface changes on Mars.
Methane Releases Boost Seafloor Life
- Arctic ice loss reduces surface pressure, leading to methane hydrate release from seabed, both violently and slowly.
- Methane-loving seafloor animals thrive in these areas, showing ecosystems adapt to methane emissions.
New Basalt Changes Volcanic History
- Newly discovered basalt from deep Pacific Ocean drilling shows more powerful and voluminous early volcanic eruptions than thought.
- This demands re-examining many ocean floor basalts to revise understanding of basalt formation.