Investigating rock from Spain's 2021 Tajogaite eruption, an international team led by The University of Manchester found that superheating alters the melt's internal structure to resist new crystal growth. Under typical conditions, cooling magma develops viscosity-increasing crystals within 20 minutes, whereas extreme heating delays this solidifying process for over eight hours. Scientists verified this mechanism in three dimensions by recreating subsurface volcanic pressure and using advanced X-ray tomography. These insights demonstrate that a magma chamber's previous thermal spikes directly govern the physical style of an eruption.
Key points
The internal heating history of magma plays a major role in determining future volcanic e…: The internal heating history of magma plays a major role in determining future volcanic eruption styles.
Superheated molten material dissolves microscopic seeds to create a uniform structure tha…: Superheated molten material dissolves microscopic seeds to create a uniform structure that resists new crystal growth.
Fluid, crystal-free magma moves significantly faster and changes how trapped volcanic gas…: Fluid, crystal-free magma moves significantly faster and changes how trapped volcanic gases escape to the surface.
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- Date:
- November 13, 2026
- Source:
- University of Manchester
- Summary:
- Why do some volcanoes erupt with spectacular lava fountains while others release lava more quietly? Scientists have discovered that a hidden effect of extreme heat inside magma may help explain the difference. Experiments revealed that superheated magma can delay crystal formation for more than eight hours, compared with just 20 minutes in magma that has not been superheated.
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Why do some volcanoes send towering fountains of lava into the sky while others release molten rock in much calmer eruptions? Scientists have discovered that a hidden effect of extreme heat inside magma may help explain these striking differences.
An international research team led by The University of Manchester investigated volcanic material from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, Spain. Their findings reveal that a process known as "superheating" can dramatically slow the formation of crystals inside magma as it travels upward toward Earth's surface.
Superheating occurs when magma reaches temperatures above those at which its crystals would normally remain stable. The researchers found…
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