Scientists discover a new way to predict volcanic eruptions using lasers

Jul 7, 2023

A new method using lasers could be the key to forecasting volcanic eruptions. Image: Unsplash/Tetiana Grypachevska

Teresa Ubide

Associate Professor - Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland

Alice MacDonald

PhD Student, The University of Queensland

Jack Mulder

Lecturer, University of Adelaide

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Microscope view of lava erupted on October 24 2021 at La Palma, with large colourful crystals in a fine-grained black rock matrix which we analyse via laser. The image is in cross-polarised transmitted light (5mm scale bar). Image: A. MacDonald

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Drone image of a lava flow from the 2021 La Palma eruption (December 4 2021, houses for scale). Image: Instituto Geologico y Minero de Espana

Early lavas from the 2021 La Palma eruption were voluminous and blocky, acting as a hot ‘bulldozer’ (September 22 2021, traffic sign for scale). Image: JJ Coello Bravo

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