Scientists Link Giant Volcanic Eruptions to Deep Earth BLOBS

New research led by University of Wollongong geophysicists and published in Communications Earth & Environment has revealed that colossal volcanic eruptions, such as those potentially responsible for the dinosaur extinction, are caused by mantle plumes rising from deep underground structures called BLOBS (Big LOwer-mantle Basal Structures). These BLOBS, located about 2,500 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface under Africa and the Pacific Ocean, have long been debated as either stationary or slowly moving; the study shows they are indeed moving and mantle plumes ascend from these shifting sources. Mantle plumes act as 'magma highways,' transporting hot solid rock slowly through the mantle until it melts near the surface, triggering giant eruptions. By reconstructing mantle convection from up to a billion years ago, the researchers demonstrated that these eruptions are connected to the dynamic movement of BLOBS, advancing understanding of Earth's deep interior and volcanic activity. This insight also aids in locating minerals formed by volcanic eruptions, which are vital for transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The findings underscore how interconnected deep Earth processes are with surface geological events and mass extinctions.