News in Brief Earth

Magma can speed to the surface, powering volcanoes

Fast ascent of molten rock could foretell future eruptions

MAGMA HIGHWAY  Samples gathered from the inner slopes of the main crater of the Irazú volcano (shown) reveal that its 1963–65  eruption was fueled in part by young magma fresh from Earth's mantle.

Philipp Ruprecht

By Rachel Ehrenberg

- More than 2 years ago

Molten magma can cruise at high speeds from deep in the Earth to the surface, triggering volcanic eruptions.