New magma chamber in Underwater Volcano Columbo, which is even considered capable of exploding in the future, although not immediately, as scientists have discovered. Recent publication in a scientific journal by a panel of experts including Greeksshows that this important discovery was revealed through research for the first time since seismic waves – because he “evaded” the usual methods – and offers to put him under close surveillance.

The publication was made in the scientific journal “Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems” by a group of scientists led by Kajetan Krapkevich at the Faculty of Geosciences, Imperial College London. The group also includes two Greeks, a volcanologist Evie Nomiku (University of Athens) and Professor of Seismology Kostas Papazachos (Aristotle University). The scientists conducted underwater research using both new-generation tomographic techniques and seismic wave studies.

Thanks to seismic wave studies, a magma chamber was discovered for the first time at a depth of 2-4 km below the surface of the seabed. Its growth rate is such that the magma remains in a “liquid” form and does not have time to cool or crystallize. The shape of the chamber resembles a mushroom, it is thinner at the base and wider at the top.

Scientists believe that this magma chamber may be the “key” to understanding the intense seismic activity between 2006-2007 and 2011-2012 in this region of the Greek volcanic arc. Earthquakes are apparently associated with an increase in the amount of magma rising from great depths into the magma chamber. This “shallow” magma chamber is estimated to be the top of a wider layered system.

How dangerous is this magma chamber? As the article explains, the long-term assessment of the situation depends on how often new magma enters the chamber, how quickly it cools, and how it affects the crust around it. “A chamber of considerable size at a depth of about 2 km below the surface of the seabed poses a serious future explosion threat, while the relatively shallow sea depth (about 500 meters) at this location contributes rather than hinders the explosion. explosion,” the statement said. In the event of a volcanic eruption, scientists conclude, we should expect a tsunami and a “pillar” of ash and pumice tens of kilometers high. While smaller than the recent Hunga Tonga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, experts point out that it could be more severe given the sizeable population in neighboring Santorini and sea and air traffic in the Aegean. “The current state of the chamber indicates that an eruption with major social impacts is possible (though not immediate), so we are proposing the installation of a permanent observation station that will continuously cover seismic activity and bottom geodesy,” the publication concludes.

Vessel – drilling rig

More information about the Columbus magma chamber is likely to come from investigations by the US’s largest research vessel, the Joides Resolution, on its research mission. On board is a group of scientists from the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP), including Greeks. Its mission is to carry out underwater drilling at depths that have never before been explored, thereby revealing valuable information about the geological history of the Christian, Santorini and Columbus volcanic complex.

The research vessel-drill receives “carrots” (columns) from the bottom at a depth of up to 900 meters, which are cut into sections and studied. From this process, many conclusions can be drawn regarding the dating of past volcanic eruptions (and therefore their frequency), their intensity, etc. The mission will end on February 10 with the arrival of the vessel in Heraklion.