Lake Laacher See, which is located in Germany, is famous for its beauty and calm waters, but beneath its surface lurks a potential threat that could lead to disaster. Scientists warn that beneath the lake is an active volcano that could cause serious damage not only to the surrounding areas, but also to much of Europe.
The history of Laacher See begins with a powerful eruption that occurred about 13,000 years ago. At that time, the volcano ejected more than 20 cubic kilometers of magma into the atmosphere, destroying all life within a radius of 60 kilometers.
The ash and gas emissions caused dramatic climate change and cooling. After the magma chamber was emptied and the top layers of the earth were destroyed, a large depression was formed, which later filled with water and turned into a modern lake.
Today, volcanologists are raising the alarm again. Observations show signs of activity underwater, including weak tremors that can only be detected with specialized equipment.
Earthquakes occur due to the movement of magma in the interior of the Earth's crust. Carbon dioxide emissions have also been recorded in the vicinity of the lake, indicating that underwater processes are taking place. Scientists also note thermal anomalies: the water temperature in some parts of the lake is much higher than expected, which may indicate possible activation.