“Explorer: Lake of Fire” is a compelling documentary presented by National Geographic that follows a team of audacious scientists and explorers as they embark on a perilous journey to scale the summit of Mount Michael—a remote volcano. This gripping tale showcases the bravery, determination, and unrelenting spirit of these explorers as they grapple with the hostile environment, unraveling Mount Michael’s secrets against a backdrop of majestic yet treacherous landscapes as they strive to verify whether Mount Michael can be confirmed as one of the world’s rare lava lakes.
A pivotal figure in the expedition is volcanologist Dr. Emma Nicholson. I had a chance to chat with Dr. Nicholson about the expedition, and the techniques and technologies that enabled them to address challenges and overcome obstacles.
“The conditions were certainly far from ideal and very much tested the resilience of our instruments,” explained Nicholson. “Two of the main issues that we encountered with our equipment were the low temperatures, which drained battery life and, in some cases, prevented instruments operating at all; and the high humidity, which caused rime ice to crystallize on everything (blocking the inlets of our gas sensors, and coating the propellers of our drones). We insulated our equipment as best we could, and some had internal heating capability.”
With innovation and perseverance, the team managed to climb to the peak of Mount Michael. To address the extreme and harsh conditions, they deployed insulated equipment, some even with internal heating capabilities, to battle the elements.
Despite the challenges, their findings were profound. One of the most striking revelations was the potential environmental impacts caused by volcanic gases, especially concerning water supplies. The data, gathered from snow and ice samples, showcased how volcanic gases could contaminate water sources, offering a universal lesson for regions near active volcanoes. Such insights highlight the expedition’s global significance.
Dr. Nicholson’s astonishment at the sheer size and depth of Mount Michael’s crater provides a poignant moment in the film. Dr. Nicholson emphasized, “I was quite taken aback at the size and depth of the crater, when the conditions finally calmed for us to peer inside. The enormous scale of the crater is a clear indication that this volcano has had a much more explosive history than we have seen in recent times.”
The documentary delves deep into the complexities and uncertainties surrounding volcano predictions. While advancements have been made in monitoring techniques and risk communication, the precise timing of a volcano’s eruption remains elusive. Dr. Nicholson explains that while some well-monitored volcanoes can be somewhat predicted, many of the world’s active volcanoes, including Mount Michael, remain largely uncharted. The takeaway is clear: the world needs more extensive and sophisticated monitoring networks to better predict eruptions.
“Many of the precursory signals in our monitoring datasets prior to eruptions are only identified as such in hindsight. However, we learn more from each and every eruption,” she said.
Moreover, the film underscores the importance of long-term measurements that encompass both eruption and quiescence phases, combined with robust physical and chemical models to interpret this data.
Yet, beyond the science, “Explorer: Lake of Fire” is an anthem for human endurance, curiosity, and the spirit of exploration. Dr. Nicholson hopes that viewers take away more than just scientific facts. Nicholson told me, “I would love for people watching to see that with curiosity, commitment and a passionate team around you, you can achieve things that you are told are impossible. There is always a very real risk of failure, but big discoveries come when you step outside your comfort zone and attempt big things. A career in science can be what you choose to make it. I have always felt most inspired when in the field, exploring these wild places, and so have shaped my research to draw on this strength.”
The visual spectacle of “Explorer: Lake of Fire”, combined with the rich insights and the team’s inspiring journey, makes it a must-watch. The documentary skillfully merges the raw intensity of nature with the tenacity of the human spirit, making it not just a tale of a volcano, but also of the hearts and minds that dared to understand it.
I recommend you check out “Explorer: Lake of Fire.” It premieres on National Geographic TV on Thursday, October 26th. It will also be available for streaming the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
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