Photo: Getty ImagesCracked rocks on Whakaari/White Island allow gas to escape, easing the build-up of pressure that triggers volcanic eruptions, new Canterbury University research has found. Canterbury University scientists, as well as GNS Science and international researchers, studied rocks ejected from the volcano during an eruption in April 2016. Lead researcher Dr Ben Kennedy said under a microscope small minerals could be seen in and around the cracks in the rocks. The rocks from Whakaari/White Island behaved in a unique way, Dr Kennedy said. The research means scientists can link certain earthquakes to the movement of fluid through valves within the volcano.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 29, 2020 02:03 UTC