Strange volcano in Antarctica erupts with gold every day.

Erebus, the tallest active volcano in Antarctica, is attracting scientific attention not only for its intense activity but also for the phenomenon of erupting yellow dust every day.

The permanent lava lake of the Erebus volcano - Photo: COPERNICUS SENTINEL

At approximately 3,794 meters high, Erebus is also the southernmost active volcano on Earth.

Mount Erebus, named after the Greek mythological god of darkness, was recorded as erupting when explorer James Clark Ross first sighted it in 1841.

The unique feature of this mountain is the permanent lava lake within its crater, which remains a vibrant red even in the harshest winter. According to IFLScience on April 21st, there are only about five such lava lakes in the entire world .

In addition to lava and hot gases, scientists discovered that the gas plumes from the Erebus volcano contain tiny gold crystals, only about 20 micrometers in size.

It is estimated that this volcano releases about 80 grams of gold (approximately $6,000) into the atmosphere every day. These tiny gold particles can travel as far as 1,000 km and have been detected in the air around the Antarctic region.

Volcanic activity here is also very diverse. Besides continuously erupting gas and steam, Erebus sometimes also ejects partially molten rock into the air, known as "volcanic bombs".

However, contrary to that scorching image, the area also features unique and winding ice caves, formed from escaping hot gases.

These ice caves create extreme environments, making them ideal research sites for organisms that thrive in harsh conditions.

Scientists also discovered 61 species of fungi living there – a rare ecosystem in a dark, nutrient-poor environment. However, some indications suggest they may be linked to human-induced pollution.

Despite its significant scientific value, accessing the Erebus volcano remains challenging due to its harsh conditions. Most visitors can only observe the volcano from a distance via exploration trains, while direct research still relies on specialized scientific teams.

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ANH THU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ky-la-nui-lua-o-nam-cuc-phun-vang-moi-ngay-20260422122706481.htm