Guide Note

In January, 2008, evidence of an eruption under the ice of Antarctica was discovered. The discovery was reported in the journal Nature and was based on research done in 2004 and 2005. This is the first ever evidence of a subglacial volcano to be found in Antarctica.¹²

Fast Facts

1. Eruption occurred 2,000 years ago²
2. Where: West Antarctica²
3. Created volcanic debris which spread over an area the size of New Hampshire³
4. May still be active and playing a small role in the melting rate increase of Antarctic ice³

Subglacial eruptions are volcanic eruptions that occur under ice. If the eruption is large enough, it will melt through the ice, but this is not always the case. Subglacial volcanoes are more commonly found in Canada and Iceland.⁴²