American scientists from Pennsylvania State University discovered that the unusual Oldoinyo-Lengai volcano in Tanzania has been rapidly sinking underground over the last 10 years. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Geophysical Research Letters (GRL).
Oldoinyo Lengai is the only volcano in the world that actively erupts carbonatite lava, a highly fluid type of magma that is rich in calcium and sodium but poor in silica. As a result, carbonatite magma flows like ordinary water.
Satellite data showed that Oldoinyo Lengai is sinking underground at a rate of about 3.6 centimeters per year. From 2013 to 2023, the 2,963-meter-high volcano sank 36 centimeters below the surface.
The reason for this phenomenon could be an empty reservoir located beneath one of the two craters of Fire Mountain. According to orbital images, the area around the volcano’s northern vent is collapsing at a steady pace, scientists said.
This reservoir may be connected to a larger magma reservoir three kilometers or deeper beneath the volcano, according to the research.
Experts believe that Oldoinyo Lengai will continue to erupt and settle in the coming years.
Earlier scientists was created Portable device for assessing the viscosity of lava.
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Source: Gazeta
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