Illinois may be known for many things, such as agriculture, Chicago-style hot dogs, and its association with the subway, but being home to volcanoes isn’t usually among them.
Did you know that Illinois has a dormant volcano?
Normally I consider myself to have a pretty extensive knowledge of all things Illinois, but today was the first time I heard that there is an actual volcano under the ground in Hardin County, Southern Illinois. (Seriously, this fact hits my heart pretty hard.)
Hicks Dome is located in Shawnee National Forest not far from Gardens of the Gods. It looks like an ordinary big hill, but there’s something really interesting under it…
Hicks Dome has been dormant without eruptions or geological activity for at least 200 million years, which scientists say is why you can still find so many rare minerals in southern Illinois. ing.
article from crater explorer Say.
There is evidence that the origin of the Hicks Dome is volcanic. It is associated with faults and clastic rocks and involves igneous rocks and deposits.
Are scientists still studying the Hicks Dome?
Scientists began learning about Hicks Dome’s volcanic history in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and some are still studying it today.
Dr. Daniel Hammer, professor of geology at Southern Illinois University, recently said: WSIL Some scientists are very interested in the rare minerals that can still be mined near Hicks Dome. Dr. Hammer said:
In the 20th century, much mining has taken place for its fluorine content, and other deposits can be found. It contains barium, as well as large amounts of the radioactive metal thorium, making it unusual to have so much radioactive material in one place. But if you literally bring your Geiger counter outside, it will beep. ”
So we have to ask, because there is still evidence of radioactive material under the depths of the Hicks Dome. Is it possible that it will erupt again?
Rest assured, Dr. Hammer says,
It is highly unlikely that it will erupt again.
Are you feeling better? Illinois, just in case… just in case.
