Our Science
13 April 2026
How Hidden Chemical Changes Beneath Volcanoes Can Trigger Explosive Eruptions
Hydrothermal alteration, the chemical transformation of rocks by hot, mineral-rich fluids is common in active volcanic systems. It can significantly change the physical properties of volcanic rocks, often weakening them or sealing fractures in volcanic conduits. These changes can strongly influence volcanic hazards, particularly phreatic eruptions, which occur when groundwater rapidly flashes to steam. However, the timescales and mechanisms of hydrothermal alteration in volcanic conduits are not well understood.
