Exceptional quantity of magma under Mount Paektu

Seismic surveys have revealed that Mount Paektu’s magma chamber is extremely spacious and full of magma.

Right under the crater, there is a major quantity of liquid magma, which is ready for the next eruption. The magma is of a kind that causes particularly explosive eruptions.

Under the magma, there is a layer of volcanic slurry with 50 % crystals and 50 % magma, which is sufficiently liquid to be ejected in case of an eruption.

At the bottom of the chamber, there is a stiff, spongy layer that consists of 65 % crystals and 35 % liquid magma. Feed pipes supply new magma.