Antarctica’s Mt Erebus Spews out Gold Everyday

A rare geological anomaly exists in the Antarctic, where the area’s highest and most southern active volcano is spewing out thousands of dollars in crystallised gold specks. Mount Erebus’ emissions, reaching 3,794 metres high, include gases, steam, and boulders of partially molten rock. There’s also a lava lake that has continued flowing unabated since 1972. The gas emanating from lava cools when it comes into contact with air, from around 1,000 degrees Celcius to 100 degrees, which precipitates metals including gold, but also copper, zinc, and phosphorous. As a result, around 80 grams of gold per day, in the form of particles measuring 20-60 micrometres, are emitted. Once airborne, these particles can be flung up to 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) away from the mountain....