Researchers at Cornell University have used Raman spectroscopy to analyze how carbon dioxide and water act as triggers for volcanic eruptions. By studying crystals from historic Mount Etna events, the team found that different concentrations of these gases determine whether magma rises slowly from shallow levels or erupts rapidly from the deep mantle. This study highlights the complex role of CO2 in geological processes and improves the precision of volcanic plumbing models. Understanding these volatile triggers is essential for better risk assessment and predicting the explosivity of future eruptions.
