Ancient Mantle Plume Reveals 60-Million-Year Volcanic History

In a groundbreaking study published by researchers from the University of Cambridge and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), it has been revealed that an ancient mantle plume is responsible for a 60-million-year volcanic trail stretching from Iceland to Ireland. This research not only elucidates the geological history of the North Atlantic region but also provides crucial insights into the dynamics of Earth's interior and its implications for our climate.

The study, presented at the ESA's Living Planet Symposium, indicates that the Iceland Plume, a significant upwelling of super-heated mantle rock, played a pivotal role in forming the North Atlantic Igneous Province. This volcanic activity, which commenced approximately 60 million years ago, resulted in a vast lava flood covering nearly one million square kilometers, fundamentally altering the landscape and climate of the region.

The research team utilized advanced techniques, including gravity measurements from the GOCE satellite and seismic readings, to construct a detailed image of the lithosphere beneath Britain, Ireland, and the adjacent seafloor. According to Dr. Sergei Lebedev, a researcher at the University of Cambridge, "This striking correlation suggests that hot material from the Iceland Plume penetrated the region, eroding the lithosphere, and consequently triggering volcanic activity far beyond Iceland itself."

Historically, geologists have been puzzled by the distribution of volcanic features across the North Atlantic, which appeared disconnected yet were linked through this ancient plume. The findings suggest that the plume's influence extended well beyond its immediate vicinity, with magma surfacing in areas such as Scotland's Inner Hebrides and along Ireland's Antrim Coast.

The implications of this research extend beyond geological curiosity; large igneous provinces like those formed by the Iceland Plume are suspected of significantly impacting Earth's climate. Dr. Raffaele Bonadio from the University of Cambridge notes, "Understanding how mantle plumes breach the surface helps scientists reconstruct ancient climate swings, which is vital for models predicting our own greenhouse future."

In addition to its effects on climate, the study also sheds light on the geological stability of the region. Although the British Isles are not situated near active plate boundaries, small earthquakes frequently occur. The new lithosphere map reveals that these tremors cluster in areas where the lithosphere is thinnest, suggesting that the ancient plume's activity has left behind a legacy influencing crustal stability.

As the ESA prepares for its upcoming Next Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM), which aims to enhance our understanding of Earth's internal processes, the research on the Iceland Plume serves as a vital reference point. The mission will utilize twin satellites to track mass changes within the planet, potentially revealing similar geological phenomena in other regions, such as the Deccan Traps in India.

Ultimately, the findings regarding the ancient mantle plume not only provide a historical account of volcanic activity but also present a framework for assessing geological risks in Britain, Ireland, and Iceland. As Dr. Lebedev concluded, "The ground beneath our feet records not just the slow march of drifting continents but dramatic pulses that can rewrite climate and life. Understanding those pulses begins with looking down and then looking deeper."

This study exemplifies the importance of integrating advanced technological methods to enhance our understanding of Earth's intricate systems, emphasizing the pivotal role of geological research in addressing contemporary climate issues and natural hazards.