News Earth

Pacific volcanoes share split personality

Dual chemistry of island chains reflects variations in their deep source

By Alexandra Witze

- More than 2 years ago

Hawaii’s scenic volcanoes come in two chemical flavors, and now scientists think the igneous peaks on several other Pacific island chains do, too.

KILAUEA POW Fireworks can ensue when lava meets ocean, seen here at Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano. Geochemical studies suggest that the molten rock forming Hawaii and other Pacific island chains may pull from two distinct sources.