Trigger of volcanic explosions discovered by researchers (VIDEO)

Scientists claim they have discovered the mechanism that triggers volcanic explosions.

Researchers at the University of Southampton found that the mixing of older, cooled magma and young, hot magma was the cause of most violent eruptions.

The study looked at Las Canadas volcanoes on the island of Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands.

These volcanoes have erupted at least eight times in the last 700,000 years, said UPI.

By looking at crystal cumulate nodules found in pyroclastic deposits of large eruptions, they discovered that large eruptions occurred when hot magma and cool magma meet in the magma chamber, reported the Bell Jar.

Researchers said that this deadly formula created explosions sometimes 15 miles high and could throw particles about 80 miles away from the volcano.

The new finding may help scientists predict an upcoming eruption.

The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.