Article from the May 2007 issue of
Ant Migration a Precursor to Volcanic Events
You might ask what ants and volcanoes have in common, and at first sight probably not much, but, according to an article in the Bund newspaper of 23 February, ants may be useful in predicting volcanic eruption. Geologist Ulrich Schreiber from the University of Duisburg, in his novel ‘Flucht der Ameisen’ (Flight of the Ants), paints a picture of a possible eruption in the Eifel, Germany and the catastrophic consequences of a large scale event in a heavily industrialised area with a high population density. This fictional work is by no means just another geo-horror story with Hollywood potential, but is based on the actual risk situation in the Eifel volcanic complex which, according to Schreiber, is not taken seriously enough. However, the behaviour of forest ants could at least, in part, substitute for an inadequate monitoring system in the area. Research has shown that ants build their nests preferentially along fissures in the Earth’s crust. Rising magma would release carbon dioxide, forcing the ants to vacate their nests in large numbers. Although this theory led originally to protests amongst ant researchers, the evidence presented by Schreiber and his colleagues at various meetings seems to have convinced the opposition. That the Eifel poses a significant risk cannot be denied. Despite the last eruption occurring ca. 12 900 years ago, all experts agree that the next eruption will happen, maybe not tomorrow but in the near geological future and if it happened within the next few months or years, there are no plans to combat a potential catastrophe for the area and its inhabitants. So, in future, I think I will have to treat the ants in my garden with a bit more respect. Who knows, their presence may be a help rather than a hindrance.
Reference:
Bojanowski A. (2007), Ein Riecher für den Untergang’, Wissen, Der Bund, Bern, Switzerland, 23.02.2007
Annette
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Last modified on Sunday, July 08, 2007 at 11:51
