Melting glaciers could trigger hundreds of dormant volcanoes and spark a wave of explosions across the globe, says study

The idea that melting glaciers influence volcanoes is not new. Since the 1970s, scientists have suggested that disappearing ice might release pressure in Earth's crust. As gases and magma expand, the chance of eruption rises. This process has already been recorded in Iceland, where glacier loss led to volcanic activity up to 50 times higher.

Studying Chile’s Past to Predict Our Future

To explore this further, geoscientists studied volcanoes beneath the ancient Patagonian Ice Sheet. Using argon dating and crystal analysis, they discovered a quiet period between 26,000 and 18,000 years ago, when ice suppressed volcanic activity. But once the glaciers melted, pressure built up underground. That pressure was finally released, forming the Mocho-Choshuenco volcano.

This isn’t a local issue. A 2020 study identified 245 active volcanoes either under or within 5 kilometres of glaciers. Regions of concern now include Antarctica, North America, New Zealand, and parts of Russia. These areas, Moreno Yaeger says, need closer monitoring as global warming continues.

"The trigger is when glaciers start to retreat," he explained. "That’s what’s happening now in several regions around the world."

Volcanoes Could Accelerate Global Warming

Volcanic eruptions often cool the planet short-term. They send sulphate aerosols into the sky that reflect sunlight. But in the long run, the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases they emit could add to global warming.

Moreno Yaeger warns of a dangerous loop. Melting glaciers lead to eruptions, which then release gases that warm the planet further. This extra warmth causes more glaciers to melt, and the cycle repeats.

As climate change reshapes our world, volcanoes may soon play a greater role in that transformation—firing up concerns from beneath our feet.