Portuguese 
Spanish 
Mount Erebus maintains a permanent lava lake and releases about 80 grams of microscopic gold per day into the Antarctic atmosphere
An unusual volcanic phenomenon continues to attract the attention of researchers in Antarctica.
Microscopic particles of pure gold are released by Mount Erebus, considered the southernmost active volcano on the planet.
A study published in August 1991 estimated that approximately 80 grams of gold can be expelled daily by the volcano’s emissions.
-
400 km² of Greenhouses in Almería, Spain, Astonish American Visitor by Producing Millions of Tons of Produce for Cold-Weather Markets
-
Little-known Japanese factory is the world’s largest zipper manufacturer, producing 7 billion pieces annually and closing half the world’s pants.
-
Brazilian Factory Recycles One-Third of the Country’s Styrofoam Waste, Matching European Levels with 51,000 Tons Reused Since 2007
-
Brazilian Navy Conducts Major Military Exercise with 2,000 Troops, Amphibious Vehicles, and Drones on Lake Furnas in Minas Gerais
The metal, however, does not appear in nuggets, bars, or visible fragments.
In practice, the gold is found in extremely small crystals, carried along with the gases released by the crater.
Some of these particles can travel up to 1,000 kilometers before depositing on the Antarctic ice.
Scientific research identified gold in the volcano’s emissions
The presence of the metal was documented by researchers Kimberly Meeker, Ray Chuan, Philip Kyle, and Julie Palais.
The results were later published in the scientific journal Geophysical Research Letters, in 1991.
During the study, the researchers analyzed gases, atmospheric particles, and materials collected near Mount Erebus.
Elemental gold crystals were identified in the volcanic plume, in the suspended particles, and in samples close to the surface.
According to the authors, the amount represents a small fraction compared to the total volume of materials emitted by the volcano.
The crystalline structure of the metal, nevertheless, made the discovery particularly unusual for the scientific community.
Constant activity favors the release of the crystals
Mount Erebus exhibits rare characteristics among known active volcanoes.
Located in Antarctica, it maintains a permanent lava lake and records a continuous release of gases.
Materials from the depths of the volcano are regularly transported to the atmosphere.
The analysis of these emissions allowed scientists to find the microscopic gold particles.
According to the research, the metal can initially be carried in vapor form by the volcanic gases.
The cooling of the plume may then favor the formation of the small crystals identified by the researchers.
The complete process, however, has not yet been definitively clarified.
Crystals can travel up to 1,000 kilometers
The crystals have reduced dimensions and can remain suspended in the atmosphere during transport by Antarctic winds.
Particles related to Erebus emissions have been found in areas far from the crater.
According to researchers, these materials can travel up to 1,000 kilometers before reaching the frozen surface.
The dispersion occurs in extremely reduced concentrations.
The phenomenon, therefore, does not produce a visible rain of gold nor form easily observable deposits on the continent.
The analyzed particles also have well-defined geometric shapes.
This characteristic differentiates the crystals from the irregular mineral fragments frequently found in natural environments.
Phenomenon has been studied since 1991
More than three decades have passed since the publication of the research on Mount Erebus emissions.
Researchers are still trying to understand the conditions responsible for the transport and crystallization of gold.
The combination of lava lake, continuous activity, and release of metallic particles keeps the volcano among the most peculiar ever studied.
The expelled gold, despite the daily estimate, does not represent an economically accessible reserve.
The particles are microscopic, remain dispersed, and reach regions far from the crater in very small quantities.
Mount Erebus maintains a scientific mystery in Antarctica
Mount Erebus continues to emit gases and volcanic materials into the Antarctic atmosphere.
The formation of gold crystals remains associated with the extreme conditions existing inside the volcano.
The research published in Geophysical Research Letters remains one of the main scientific references on the phenomenon.
The estimated daily emission of 80 grams reinforces the uniqueness of Mount Erebus, although the metal remains practically invisible to the naked eye.
What catches your attention the most about this phenomenon: the daily amount of gold or the distance traveled by the crystals? Share your opinion!
