A Volcano Is Now Spewing Gold Worth Of $6000 A Day | Traces Of Gold Dust With Gas!

This is one of the most astonishing geological phenomena on Earth. Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on our planet, located in the icy wastes of Antarctica is spewing gold! That’s right the traces of gold dust it creates goes as far as 621 miles (1000 km). The age-old saying, “money doesn’t grow on trees,” takes a twist in this scenario and shows how it rains gold from the skies instead

According to IFL Science, Mount Erebus is now releasing roughly 80 grams of gold, worth about $6,000, every day. The gusts of gas released by this active volcano contain small crystals of metallic gold. Let’s have a closer look at this shocking phenomenon. 

The Science Behind the Gold

Mount Erebus isn’t just another volcano; it sits above a unique geological feature—a thin slice of Earth’s crust. This allows the molten rock beneath to rise more easily, interacting with surface elements under intense heat and pressure. 

Within these explosive conditions, tiny crystals of metallic gold are formed. Wrapped within the gusts of gas, the gold crystals are released from the volcano’s depths. When Erebus erupts, it spews out these gold-laden gusts into the Antarctic air, creating a literal gold dust storm. Researchers have found these precious particles as far as 621 miles (1000km) from the volcano.

Image source: Copernicus / The Hindustan Times

Mount Erebus in Detail

Mount Erebus isn’t just a natural wonder; it’s steeped in historical lore. Named after Erebus, darkness in Greek mythology was first sighted in eruption in 1841 by Captain Sir James Clark Ross. The stories surrounding this volcanic giant are as rich and textured as the geological tales it harbors. 

This volcano showcases a variety of volcanic phenomena but is most renowned for its spectacular strombolian eruptions. These are powerful and bright explosions of lava. According to NASA, Erebus releases plumes of gas and steam quite regularly. The mount sometimes even sends rock (bombs) in Strombolian eruptions. 

Image source: Our Breathing Planet

What’s more fascinating is the lava lake in its summit crater, a superheated cauldron of molten rock that has been active since 1972. Erebus is the tallest active volcano in Antarctica and has a summit height of around 12,448 feet (3,794 meters). 

Given its remote location, Erebus is monitored from above. Satellites circle the globe, keeping an eye on its activities. The nearby McMurdo research station aids in collecting crucial data on its behavior.

Image source: National Geographic

Conclusion

Mount Erebus stands as a beacon of mystery and wealth in the most unlikely of places. Its daily spewing of gold, valued at around $6000, is not just a fascinating natural phenomenon, but a reminder of our planet’s incredible, dynamic nature. For scientists, adventurers, and anyone drawn to the world’s mysteries, Erebus represents a frontier of exploration and wonder—a treasure among the ice, captivating us with its fiery spirit and golden breath.

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