The most extreme drilling ever: scientists reach magma 7 km underground
Scientists drill through Earth’s crust and hit live magma at 7 kilometers
A group of scientists has achieved what many thought was impossible — they drilled through the Earth’s crust and hit live magma at a depth of 7 kilometers.
Photo: Freepik
Арктика
The project took place in southwest Iceland as part of a geothermal research initiative aimed at exploring Earth’s inner layers and alternative energy sources.
According to this report from Yahoo News, the team didn’t expect to hit magma so soon — and now faces serious questions about the safety and potential consequences of their discovery.
What we knew vs. what we know now
| Before | Now |
|---|---|
| Magma was unreachable via drilling | Confirmed access at 7 km depth |
| Direct study of magma was rare | Now possible in real-time |
| Deep drilling was considered safe | New seismic risks being evaluated |
Myths and facts about magma
- Myth: Magma is only found in volcanoes
Fact: Subsurface magma chambers exist in many geothermal zones. - Myth: Drilling that deep is routine
Fact: Pressure and heat make it one of the most dangerous feats in geology.
FAQ
- Why drill that deep?
To push the limits of engineering and study geothermal energy potential. - Is there danger to nearby populations?
No — the area is remote, but seismic activity is being monitored.
One last fact
The temperature near the magma exceeded 900°C. This is one of the boldest Earth science experiments since the Cold War — and it reopens the debate about scientific risk-taking.
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