A groundbreaking study led by Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) has revealed a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 13.06 million years ago in Northern Hungary, during the Miocene epoch. Published in Nature Scientific Reports, the research was spearheaded by Prof. Dávid Karátson, head of ELTE’s Department of Physical Geography, with contributions from scientists across five countries.
Dubbed the “Dobi eruption”, after the site at Tarnaszentmária Dobi-oldal, the eruption spanned over 3,000 square kilometers, reaching from the Mátra Mountains to the Tokaj Hills. Evidence suggests it erupted from the shallow coastal waters of the Paratethys inland sea, with marine fossils like foraminifera preserved in the volcanic ash layers.
The eruption had a volume of at least 200 cubic kilometers, making it a VEI 7 event—among the most powerful known. Interaction between seawater and magma triggered a phreatomagmatic explosion, producing large quantities of fine-grained ash and pumice from multiple magma sources.
Despite its underwater origin, the ash was deposited largely on land, preserving ancient plant material including leaves, stems, and charred tree trunks—offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems. Like the famous Ipolytarnóc site, Dobi may become another key location for understanding Hungary’s geological and biological history.
Researchers believe more such sites may yet be discovered as investigations into Northern Hungary’s volcanic past continue.
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