We had an explosive story in the paper today.
An internationally-respected geologist has warned the Mount Gambier district could be under threat from volcanic eruptions.
Associate Professor Bernie Joyce claims an eruption spewing red hot lava, toxic gases and dangerous ash could occur in the Mount Gambier district at any time.
It’s true this is a landscape renowned for its volcanic features, including the Blue Lake and Mount Schank (pictured).
I had always believed them dormant until reading the professor’s remarks.
Apparently he’s been studying them for years in Western Victoria. He says that while the likes of Blue Lake and Mount Schank are unlikely to erupt again, it’s possible a new volcano could spew forth lava, molten rocks and ash, etc.
He’s so serious about it, he reckons emergency services should be prepared for the possibility.
He argues that volcanic eruptions normally occur in this region every two thousand years and the last one was five thousand years ago.
There is some skepticism about that view on this volcanic blog (yes, there is such a thing), although the blogger doesn’t dismiss the notion for Mount Gambier, describing it as a “hot spot”.
Just wondering if I should sell my house now?
