La Palma's Tajogaite volcano magma study links superheating to explosive eruptions

Scientists have examined the magma from the Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, which lasted 85 days in 2021, revealing that the erupted material was tephritic and originated from a deep magma chamber 5‑8 km below the surface. Using repeated seismic tomography and X‑ray micro‑tomography, researchers from the University of Las Palmas, the University of Manchester and Spain’s IGME‑CSIC identified a “blob” of magma that ascended without a pre‑existing conduit, creating its own pathway. The study shows that superheating of magma can dissolve existing crystal seeds, delaying nucleation and keeping the magma low‑viscosity until rapid gas release triggers explosive ash columns. This thermal history, previously under‑considered in volcano monitoring, could improve eruption forecasts if detected through seismic or gas‑composition signals. The findings underscore the importance of integrating deep‑source temperature data into early‑warning systems for volcanic hazards.