Antarctica, known for its brutal cold and icy landscape, holds some fascinating surprises. Among these is an active volcano named Mount Erebus, which is quite literally spewing out riches.
The Volcano Spewing Gold
It might sound like a tale from a storybook, but Mount Erebus, standing tall at 12,448 feet, emits gold into the air. Each day, scientists estimate the volcano releases around 80 grams of gold in the form of tiny crystals mixed with gas. That’s roughly $6,000 worth of gold every day!
More Than Just Gold
Mount Erebus is not only famous for its gold. The fiery giant also throws out molten rocks, nicknamed ‘volcano bombs,’ and steam. This makes it one of the most intriguing and active volcanoes on the planet.
While most of Antarctica’s 138 volcanoes are dormant, around eight or nine, including Mount Erebus, are active. Research indicates that these volcanoes have shaped the land dramatically since the last ice age ended 25,000 years ago.
A Tragic History
Mount Erebus is also the site of a tragic disaster. In 1979, a sightseeing flight operated by Air New Zealand crashed into the volcano, leading to the death of all 257 people on board. The flight was intended to show passengers the stunning Antarctic landscape, but it met a grim fate.
On that fateful day, pilot Captain Jim Collins attempted to descend to 2,000 feet through spiraling loops when the plane collided with the volcano. Rescue teams later discovered cameras with intact film at the crash site, revealing that visibility was good before the impact. It is believed that the cause of the crash was a ‘whiteout,’ where ice blends with the sky, making the volcano invisible.
In 2011, families of the victims were flown to Scott Base in Antarctica for a memorial service, honoring those who lost their lives.
A Name with Meaning
The name Erebus has its roots in Greek mythology, referring to the god of a dark region of the underworld and the personification of darkness. It’s a fitting name for a volcano shrouded in mystery and danger.
Antarctica, despite its freezing temperatures, holds marvels that blend natural beauty with scientific wonder. Mount Erebus stands as proof that even in the coldest places on Earth, incredible and unexpected phenomena can occur.
