Eifel under tension: Researchers expose mysterious volcanic activity!

Eifel under tension: Researchers expose mysterious volcanic activity!

scientists have discovered new references to the magmatic activity in the Eifel, which is considered the largest volcanic area in Central Europe. Dr. Andreas Schüller, Managing Director of the Vulkaneifel Nature and Geoparks, emphasizes the geological complexity of the region: "The Eifel is perforated like a Swiss cheese". In the past 40 million years there have been over 400 volcanic eruptions in this area. The State Office for Geology and Mining Rhineland-Palatinate found that there were regular outbreaks, every 5000 to 10,000 years, with the last one took place about 11,000 years ago. These findings were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters

By a comprehensive analysis of the earth's crust, researchers were able to demonstrate continuous magmatic activities in the upper mantle of the Eifel. A data set over 35 years old was re -evaluated with modern methods, and rehearsals from depths of 10 to 30 km show clear signs of magmatic melt. In particular, the Laacher-Seee volcano, which is considered the center of the Osteifel volcanic field, has been showing signs for years. Nevertheless, an impending outbreak in Germany remains rather unlikely, although the research team warns that a volcanic eruption in the Eifel could be significant threats to Central Europe. This is illustrated by the recent eruption of the Etna in the summer of 2024, which broke out twice within 48 hours and caused large disorders for air traffic.

The Laacher See and its dangers

The Laacher See, about 8 km from Andernach on the Rhine, is a volcanic hollow form structure filled with water. The lake has an area of ​​3.3 square kilometers, measures x 1186 meters in 1964 and reaches 53 meters at the lowest point. A ring wall surrounds the lake, which is 125 meters high in its highest point. Scientists classify Lake Lake Vulkan as Maar, but assume that it is a caldera. On the southeastern bank of the lake there are mopeds that represent gas leaks and can be considered further indications of the existing magmatic activity. The volcanic field consists of around 100 volcanoes that originated 570,000 years ago, with one of the greatest eruptions 12,900 years ago, which had devastating consequences. This eruption led to a temperature decline in the northern hemisphere.

Vulcan activity is underpinned by numerous physical changes in the earth, including CO2 exhausts on the east bank of Lake Laacher, which are of magmatic origin. A measurement campaign that is known under the name Large-n has led to the installation of 350 geophone around Laacher See. These devices serve to register unnoticed earthquakes and to provide an improved image of underground processes. Project manager Torsten Dahm hopes to be able to maintain some of these measuring locations permanently in order to be able to monitor the volcanic activity in the future.

conclusion and outlook

The current research shows that Lake Laacher and the surrounding areas continue to have potentially active volcanic processes. Cold carbon dioxide exit and other geophysical observations indicate that the magmatic system under the volcano is still active. Even if there are currently no clear signs of an upcoming outbreak, the Eifel remains a region of the highest interest for volcanologists worldwide. A new outbreak could, as the historical events show, have catastrophic consequences for the surrounding areas.