Mount Erebus is a volcano situated on Ross Island in Antarctica, and it is considered one of the world’s deepest active volcanoes.
Mount Erebus is situated in Antarctica and has an elevation of about 3794 meters above sea level. The volcano is active 24/7 and has one of the few persistent lava lakes. Due to these features, the volcano is a vital attraction to scientists who aim at studying the volcano and engage in explorations.
It is a permanently emitting smoke and ash which is a result of continually active lava lake and eruptions of the volcano. Goma is the lava lake, situated at the top of the volcano, it gives a wonderful inspiring on the activity of a volcano. One’s hope of coming across with a dazzling sight is guaranteed in the lava lake through its bright orange color at night and the always emanating gases and volcanic fumes.
Mount Erebus is part of the Ross Island situated in the Victoria Land in one of the most isolated and unfriendly regions in the world with regular temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) coupled with strong winds. This makes the volcano to be accessible only during the summer period during the Antarctic since harsh weather conditions prevail on Ross Island for the rest of the year.
Literature has also been devoted to the scientific research on this particular volcano, specifically in the aspects of the patterns of volcanic eruptions, gas emissions, and the effects of the volcanic activity on other surrounding phenomena.
Challenges and opportunities of the research at Mount Erebus are outlined by the features of extreme conditions and the harsh environment of the Antarctic; however, the research provides unique data for understanding the processes of volcanic activity and the behavior of active volcanoes in the polar area.
This paper discusses the scientific value of the exploration of Mount Erebus in that it presents the team with an actual and active volcano to explore, which is not easy to come by. Due to the constant earthquakes and the dome-shaped and constantly active lava lake, it stands as an excellent case study for geological and volcanological studies.
Mark