Earth Science Discussion #6: Kerguelen Plateau- Earth’s Longest Erupting Supervolcano!

Earth Science Discussion #6: Kerguelen Plateau- Earth’s Longest Erupting Supervolcano!


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Welcome to Earth Science News. I am Merlyn Delaney George with a special report on Earth's longest erupting supervolcano. The Kerguelen Plateau which lies in the southern Indian Ocean above an Oceanic crust is home to the largest incessantly erupting supervolcano on Earth. This volcanism has lasted for more than 30 million years because magma generated by the mantle plume, were constantly flowing out through the mid-oceanic ridges, which interminably acted as a channel. Scientists have found such a long duration requires unique geological conditions. Researchers have found this constant eruption is energized by a constantly moving conveyor belt of magma. As a result of the mantle plume, which acts as a Bunsen burner, it allows the mantle to melt resulting in an extraordinarily long period of eruption activity. Although the eruption rate has dropped drastically, there has been a slow but steady outpouring of lava to this day. This finding is great news for the scientific world as scientists can use their findings of this continuous eruption activity to possibly help them understand what starts and end volcanic activity. Thanks for watching Earth Science News!!!!!