Speculative Volcanology

Abstract

In 2009, exploratory drilling of geothermal wells in Iceland's Krafla volcanic caldera unexpectedly struck magma. The fact that the encounter did not have catastrophic consequences has excited considerable interest-and an international research facility is now being set up to explore energy generation and other possibilities of closer engagement with magma. We take this event as an incitement to explore how the Earth-changing "violence" of volcanic or igneous processes might be seen not simply as happening in time but as both generative and destructive of time itself. We approach volcanism through the construct of a "speculative geology" that draws on a recent return to metaphysical themes in philosophy as well as a growing interest in geologic processes in the arts, humanities, and popular culture. In this way, alongside cause-effect relations, we explore the more enigmatic processes through which subterranean geologic forces offer an excessive potentiality from which humans and other life forms select and actualize a narrower range of creative or generative possibilities. The article explores three significant volcanic episodes: a series of massive magma extrusions about 1.9 billion years ago linked to the ascendance of multicellular life; volcanism present in the East African Rift during pivotal phases of human evolution; and the volcanic activity of the early-mid Holocene viewed as a contextual factor in the emergence of ancient practices of artisanal pyrotechnology. Our reading of the dynamic and violent interchange between the inner and outer Earth in these examples points to a nonself-identical planetary condition, on which the very structure of temporality emerges through a play of destruction and generativity. In this light, we circle back on the Krafla project to consider questions of risk, uncertainty, and responsibility that attend the potential new interface with the underworld of magma.

Intertwining volcanoes and society in Chile through arts and interdisciplinary connections

“…For example, Bobbette (2019) questions the ways in which volcanoes are understood and how the geological space is always contested. Through the idea of 'speculative volcanology', Clark et al (2018) raise interesting questions about the temporization of Earth and its destructive and generative sociopolitical capacities. New materialists have also sought to connect the geological and human social life through the concept of 'geosocialities', defined as 'the entangled relations of the Earth and biologic beings' (Palsson and Swanson, 2016, p. 150).…”

The Ethics of Volcano Geoengineering

“…Such uncertainty may appear paralyzing; however, we regularly act under high uncertainty in business, ethics, and policy. Clark et al (2018) argue that any significant change and innovation involves a degree of risk, especially one involving a novel field such as drilling into magma reservoirs, since there is no existing solid base for which to secure a decision. One can still try to find the best expected cost-benefit ratio of action, or try to prevent or minimize worst case downsides.…”

Intertwining volcanoes and society in Chile through arts and interdisciplinary connections

“…For example, Bobbette (2019) problematizes the ways in which volcanoes are understood and how the geological is always a contested space. Through the idea of "speculative volcanology", Clark et al (2018) raise interesting questions about the temporization of Earth and its destructive and generative sociopolitical capacities. New materialists have also sought to connect the geological with human social life through the concept of "geosocialities" as "the entangled relations of the earth and biologic beings" (Palsson and Swanson, 2016).…”