Study challenges volcano classification: 'Extinct' volcanoes may erupt after 100,000-year dormancy
By
Chris Simms
Summary
Emerging research suggests that some volcanoes classified as "extinct" may simply be dormant for extremely long periods—over 100,000 years—before erupting catastrophically. The Methana volcano near Athens, which slept for nearly 110,000 years before awakening, challenges the current volcanological classification system that defines volcanoes as extinct if they haven't erupted in roughly 10,000 years. Scientists argue this classification needs to be redefined to better assess volcanic hazards and prevent surprise eruptions.
Source
bskyStudy challenges volcano classification: 'Extinct' volcanoes may erupt after 100,000-year dormancylivescience.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledA volcano that slept for more than 100,000 years before erupting is blowing up our understanding of when volcanoes should be defined as active or extinct.
Volcanologists officially classify sleeping volcanoes as extinct if they haven't erupted in the past 10,000 years or so.
Some 'extinct' volcanoes may just be going through a growth spurt, before they 'wake up in this catastrophic stage'
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