Geologists solve one of Earths oldest volcanic super-eruption mysteries

Published: Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 4:07 pm

Geologists Crack Mystery of Earth's Largest Volcanic Structure

Scientists have finally solved a decades-old geological puzzle: the origin of the massive Ontong Java Plateau, the largest volcanic structure on Earth. This underwater plateau, located in the mid-Pacific Ocean and larger than Alaska, has long baffled researchers due to the lack of a clear volcanic trail linking it to its source.

A new study, published in *Nature*, reveals that the Ontong Java Plateau is connected to the Louisville hotspot, an active volcanic region deep beneath the southern Pacific Ocean. Researchers from the University of Maryland and the University of Hawaii pieced together the puzzle by analyzing the geochemistry and age of ancient underwater volcanoes. They examined lesser-known volcanic tracks near Samoa and the Rurutu-Arago region, which provided crucial clues.

The team's findings show that the Pacific Plate, not the Louisville hotspot, was the primary mover. By combining data from various volcanic chains, they reconstructed a more complete model of how the Pacific Plate rotated between 80 and 100 million years ago. This breakthrough provides a continuous volcanic history for a vast stretch of the Pacific Ocean, connecting younger volcanic systems in the south with older ones in the west.

This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Earth's volcanic history and tectonic activity but also has implications for island nations in the Pacific, which are built upon these ancient volcanic foundations. The improved models also highlight differences between hotspots, offering insights into the complex dynamics of Earth's internal activity and potentially helping to predict future geological hazards. This research opens the door to further exploration of other hidden volcanic features, promising even more revelations about our planet's past.

Keywords: Ontong Java Plateau, volcanic super-eruption, Louisville hotspot, Pacific Ocean, tectonic plates, underwater volcanoes, geochemistry, plate motion, volcanic history, geologists, Earth's crust, Samoa, Rurutu-Arago, Cretaceous period, Hawaii-Emperor, volcanic chains, earthquakes, eruptions.

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