New Delhi: Scientists have discovered that Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, releases gas containing around 80 grams of crystallized gold particles daily. At current market prices, this translates to roughly 5 lakh rupees ($6,000 USD) worth of gold literally flying through the air.The not-so-golden catchHowever, dreams of an airborne gold rush are quickly dashed by the harsh realities of Mount Erebus location. Reaching this volcanic treasure trove is no easy feat. The remote location, 621 miles from the continents southernmost tip, is perpetually covered in snow and sits at a daunting altitude of 12,448 feet.A continuously erupting wonderAccording to the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations Earth Observatory, Mount Erebus is a continuously erupting volcano since 1972. This icy giant spews a unique type of lava, molten material that remains unfrozen due to its unusual composition. This rare phenomenon creates a permanent, molten lake at the volcanos peak.Beyond gold: A treasure trove of elementsProfessor Connor Bacon of Columbia University, New York, highlights that the Erebus plume carries not just gold, but a cocktail of other precious metals. Scientists are still unraveling the mysteries of this volcanic marvel.Antarctica is home to Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on the planet and home to Earths only long-lived lava lakes.But did you know that this volcano also erupts solid gold 🏅Following studies conducted in the early 1990s, it was found that Mount Erebus… pic.twitter.com/7ExEGk6tdM— Cool Earth (@Cool_Blue_Dot) December 10, 2023A harsh landscape with hidden secretsMount Erebus, along with Deception Island, presents a formidable challenge for scientific exploration. Harsh weather conditions and frequent earthquakes often render equipment inoperable. However, this hasnt deterred researchers who recently discovered a vast saltwater river flowing beneath the ice sheet, believed to be a remnant of an ancient sea trapped for millennia.A land of ongoing discoveryYears of scientific investigation into Mount Erebus have yielded fascinating discoveries, and the secrets this remote volcano holds promise to continue captivating researchers for years to come.
