Manchester researchers find magma temperature drives volcanic eruption intensity

Researchers at the University of Manchester have shown that higher magma temperatures can dramatically alter the explosivity of volcanic eruptions. By replicating conditions of the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma, Spain, using synchrotron X‑ray tomography, they observed that overheated magma delayed crystal nucleation for more than eight hours, whereas non‑overheated magma began crystallizing in about 20 minutes. The prolonged lack of crystals keeps the magma less viscous, allowing it to ascend rapidly and retain gases, which can lead to more powerful eruptions.

Dr. Barbara Bonechi explained, “The history of crystal and bubble growth can control dramatically how magma erupts; as crystals grow they have a drastic effect on magma viscosity.” The experimental results were incorporated into numerical models that predict magma ascent, helping resolve a long‑standing debate about the role of thermal history in eruption dynamics.