> géologie > why-china-s-largest-volcano-is-so-unusual-deep-dive

Why China's Largest Volcano Is So Unusual

Deep Dive - 2020-11-17

Mount Paektu (also known as Changbai Mountain) is one of the largest volcanoes on earth and yet, for the longest time, nobody could explain where it came from or why it exists. Here we will discuss why this volcano is so unusual and how the geological mystery surrounding it could eventually be solved. 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a geologist. The information in this video was presented after weeks of careful and thorough research about the topic. This video is merely meant as an illustrated introduction for basic educational purposes. Should you plan to use the information beyond that I advise you to cross-reference it by doing your own research. The sources below should provide you a good starting point. 

Sources/ Further Reading:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259441299_Changbai_intraplate_volcanism_and_deep_earthquakes_in_East_Asia_A_possible_link
https://www.academia.edu/7371733/P_wave_tomography_and_origin_of_the_Changbai_intraplate_volcano_in_Northeast_Asia
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332637034_Buoyant_hydrous_mantle_plume_from_the_mantle_transition_zone
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2019GC008373
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305351621_Mantle_transition_zone_structure_beneath_the_Changbai_volcano_Insight_into_deep_slab_dehydration_and_hot_upwelling_near_the_410-km_discontinuity
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274140246_Late_Cenozoic_intraplate_volcanism_in_Changbai_volcanic_field_on_the_border_of_China_and_North_Korea_Insights_into_deep_subduction_of_the_Pacific_slab_and_intraplate_volcanism
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258647124_Recent_unrest_of_Changbaishan_volcano_Northeast_China_A_precursor_of_a_future_eruption
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2009JB006882
https://www.academia.edu/34412751/Multi_proxy_dating_the_Millennium_Eruption_of_Changbaishan_to_late_946_CE
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377027317301051
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2018GC008090
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336745222_Mantle_Melting_and_Intraplate_Volcanism_Due_to_Self-Buoyant_Hydrous_Upwellings_From_the_Stagnant_Slab_That_Are_Conveyed_by_Small-Scale_Convection
https://www.ajsonline.org/content/310/10/1250
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms8700
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2018TC005079
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331807263_Onset_of_the_North-South_Gravity_Lineament_NE_China_Constraints_of_Late_Jurassic_bimodal_volcanic_rocks


Voice-over by Matt Provenzano
www.mattprovenzano.com

Thanks for watching.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Deep Dive - 2020-11-24

Since this video is somewhat going viral currently (at least by my measures) I want to take the time to thank everyone who has watched and or subscribed - I really appreciate it. That it only took two videos to get this channel going is really nice to see and exciting. Also thanks for all the lovely comments. Please be assured that I read them all, although I can’t possibly answer all of you. There is only so many times I can say "thanks" or "thank you" before it starts to feel silly ; )
I'm already working on more content for you guys but please be patient as I'm working alone.

Smith Tony - 2021-12-12

I'm on tii👍 tii👍 tiyeah iiitiiiititiii👍 tii👍 titanic trinity I ittitiitiiti👍 tiititi

Chrioni Sta Ana - 2022-01-12

How about Mt Pinatubo and Taal Volcano in the Philippines?

Michael D - 2022-02-07

A lot of geology videos could learn a thing or two from your 3d graphics and presentation. This is really great work.

Lucas James - 2020-11-17

This promises to be a marvelous channel! Absolutely wonderful research, presentation, visuals, rate of delivery, etc.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch - 2020-11-28

@K M knack Baaayybeee

Samalanderable - 2020-11-28

@Ann K. "Literally" has become so misused it is becoming much like "pre" words and other such strangeness in the english language. "Ain't" it beautifully insane! 😋😭

Proving again that English, and especially english grammar, is a complete and utter mess.

Miigon - 2020-12-01

@Xiren Zhang 好甜hhhhh

Gary Russ - 2020-12-07

The pace, the narration, display of information, all fell into place so well I've never felt I was able to learn so much in such a short time. Looking forward to more from this channel.

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

@Ann K. hahaha out of this 27 minute video I too noticed that use of “literally” and stopped in my tracks. Totally forgivable though

t1n - 2021-07-24

I love how you didn't dumb things down, just straight up explained everything carefully and super well! Thanks for putting so much love into it. Your visuals are just amazing. You maximized the use of the available technology and information and it is KILLER. You've made it so easy to understand.

I wish more studies would be done on a volcano in my country, Taal Volcano. It's a very unusual volcano, too. Major towns are located inside the caldera, and there are endemic freshwater versions of saltwater species in the lake. It's been very active lately, and yet, not much information is available.

Red Proton - 2021-12-10

Yes!

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

Major towns inside the caldera? And freshwater versions of saltwater species? That sounds really interesting

Carl Tanner - 2021-09-02

Very...very well done :D As a geologist myself, it's great to see someone putting together such a great resource, not only for aspiring geologists still at university, and for us seasoned geologists wanting to catch up on things, but also for the general public which doesn't know much at all about the planet we live on. This is a great teaching resource. I hope you produce more videos like this in the future and to the same quality. You've set the bar high for the presentation of science topics on any social media. Once again, well done :D

Will Handy - 2021-09-26

This is one of the best educational videos I've seen in my 71 years of life. I've been doing layman-level study of volcanism, plate tectonics, and earthquake geology for decades - it's all a favorite topic of my scientifically-oriented mind. I now have a vastly better understanding of how subduction volcanism comes about, to say nothing of the entirely new-to-me topic of the processes underlying this volcano I'd never heard of before. Your use of 3-D diagrams was revelatory, packing so much information into a few seconds that it took my breath away. I will need to return to it several times to absorb the densely packed information you have granted me. I'm so grateful, and I look forward to your other offerings. Astonishingly good work.

Sislertx - 2021-11-06

If u have found any other channels please post them...so rare.

Tala Beans - 2021-12-04

For Real

Al Harrison - 2022-01-07

Indeed, very well done. If he would say 'lies' instead of 'lays' it would approach perfection. :)

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

@Sislertx Brick Immortar! He does similar high quality illustrations to cover bridge and building collapse disasters in long form 30 minute documentaries. Outstanding channel.

Vindicator - 2021-12-05

What I found the most interesting in this video is that the rock in the mantle has water deposits in it, as I have largely believed that anything below the crust is just hot semi-molten rock that circulates. I know classes are usually just generalizations of what actually takes place but it's always interesting to break those generalizations with new information

M Bemelmans - 2020-11-30

As a recent PhD student in volcanology I can say this video has been clearer in explaining global tectonics and volcanism than nearly all of my lectures

Juliane - 2021-11-07

@M Bemelmanns I agree. No questions left to ask, but why this wasn't told at least a bit in Uni.
Btw. i asked myself these days what would happen, if the slaps aren't going down to the core.
Thank you a lot Deep Dive!

John Uthus - 2021-12-06

well this isnt a an american documentry so i am very intrigued by it

IMustBe Crazy - 2021-12-12

How's Starbucks going.
😃.

Stefan Veenstra - 2022-01-11

As a PhD graduate in making stuff up I can say credentials, aside from airing arrogance, don't mean a thing on the internet. Show some credible merit or step off that high horse.

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

@Stefan Veenstra I agree, nevertheless it’s still very fascinating to hear from people with substantial education in this field all unanimously vouching for the accuracy and quality of the information being presented

Biscuit - 2021-12-07

as someone who studies geology, I can say this is very thorough and very clear. really well taught.

medea27 - 2021-12-06

Wow, this is science communication at it's finest! Having a science background myself it's notable to see just how many geologists & other science nerds are going to the effort of commenting on your videos about the excellent presentation of complex concepts.... absolutely adore the visuals 👍 I'm particularly struck by the subtle underlying analogy with the concept of scientific study as a whole, and how it differs greatly from the public's misconception of a 'definitive, divisive & exclusive domain of intellectuals'.... how science is actually a constant & never-ending cycle of learning... we don't talk about 'proof' or 'right/wrong', just more nuanced 'evidence' that steers us in new directions & add to the collective knowledge.... how two different theories (like layered VS whole mantle convection models) can both be right. And how politics is irrelevant to scientific study because the volcano doesn't care if it's called Mt Paektu or Changbai Mtn, it's in everyone's best interest to know more because it's a danger regardless of your nationality or political opinions. Very nicely done! 🌋🌍

Dolan Panda - 2021-11-12

I'm not a Geologist but I do have a Master degree in Geography with specialization in Geomorphology and have to say your presentation is really very good. If my professor gave lectures like this I wouldn't have been trapped in library for more than 5years.

smakfu - 2021-12-03

And I thought I had a relatively good understanding of plate tectonics, volcanism, etc.! I knew nothing of this volcano, or the mechanics at work. That this volcano, the discovered plate slab mechanics, and the role water is playing in these mechanisms, helps explain the ancient flood basalt eruptions, was pretty mind blowing. Absolutely fascinating, terrific structuring of the video, and brilliant production values.

I can only imagine how much time and effort went into the creation of this content.

raydunakin - 2021-01-01

Excellent video! Very professional production quality, and it does a good job of explaining complex material in a way that is easy to understand.

baddabing - 2021-11-26

Agreed. One comment I'd like to make though is that Mt. Paektu is spelled like that and not like this: Peaktu.

ParadigmUnkn0wn - 2022-01-11

I'm just wondering how many geothermal plants this thing could run! Seriously, how many gigawatts are we talking about here?

Ray Wyman Jr - 2022-01-06

Just discovered your channel. Had no idea that geologists found this new type of formation. Thank you for such a clear and detailed analysis; excellent teaching methodology on display here. Subbed!

Wouter Grommel - 2021-11-27

Honestly, damn that was a super interesting story. I love how you introduced the subject using only very basic knowledge I still remember from high school, and elaborated upon it using actual scientific proof in chronologic order. Great vid!

y09297 - 2021-11-30

Just finished watching this for the 2nd time. It's so good! -factual, yet tells a good story (cadence, engagement); I've gotten new understanding this time around and better appreciation for this type of process. I especially liked how the piece not only explained why the volcano is unusual but also touched on how it may have shaped evolution. The graphics and music at the end were great too.
I even got some sci-fi ideas from the part that mentioned the water content for the MTZ 😂
Thank you for your work!

Hank Creates - 2021-11-26

I had resolved to write this comment before reading any of the other ones; it is so nice to see that there is a consensus around how informative this video is. The Deep Dive team obviously has put a lot of careful thought and effort into this content and it shows. I love how you cannot simply listen to the video, nor watch it without sound. You absolutely must hear the audio (or read it) as it goes along with handpicked visuals to aid the learning experience. If you couldn't already tell, I'm a huge fan! Keep up the good work. The internet does not deserve the likes of you but they need you.

wtf bros - 2021-12-05

It's not a team, it's just a German dude and his VA

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

@wtf bros What’s a “VA”?

Thelving the Wing - 2022-03-28

@Syclone0044 Voice actor, though in this case voiceover talent or narrator would probably be more appropriate.

Barely Sociable - 2020-11-29

Sick video production, keeping an eye on this channel.

Tanya T - 2021-06-10

@yurak hunt it's all sweet creamy orange centers till you hit that two story titanium dragon bound in chains & spitting lasers & fireballs- then you know shit got biblical!

Christopher Daniel - 2021-08-26

I love this channel I like learning about everything so he works for me

Jesus is LORD - 2021-10-19

Repent to Jesus Christ!!
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬
N

funniebunnie4u - 2021-12-04

Leave it to Barely Sociable, to stop here and be cool to other creators... Legend.
Love from Texas! 💕🤠💕

Adam Stewart - 2021-12-11

Heyyy, I know you. Just happened to see this comment lol. Dark side of silk road pt2 plz

dimebagdavey - 2021-05-21

You did such a good job of explaining this at a layman's level. I have no official qualification in this field and now feel like an expert. Nicely done and super interesting topic!

You 2be - 2021-11-05

For laypeople like me, in which curiosity for geology ended in high school decades ago, fancy and detailed graphics and clear explanations like that, it sure makes it all much easier to digest, follow along, and get interested in a volcano I've never heard about for 27 whole minutes... congratulations!

Sislertx - 2021-11-06

Found any other channels??

WAT - 2022-01-13

Same here. I have ADHD. So it's hard for me to focus for extended periods on videos like this. Made even more difficult by a frontal lobe stroke. But I managed to watch it all the way through. Great work!

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

@Sislertx Brick Immortar and USCSB. Can’t recommend both strongly enough!!

Os - 2021-07-22

As a biologist and neuroethologist... thanks for this video, it made me understand a bit of the science of geology, that is far from my own field of study but so fascinating! in particular, I got a glimpse of how geologists formulate hypothesis and predictions (which has remained a mystery for me) ... and its implications are impressive.

Sislertx - 2021-11-06

Know any other.good.videos?

TopiaSR - 2021-12-01

Absolutely incredible work. Though I'd love more content, I can appreciate just how much work goes into each one of these

Nelson Liu - 2021-02-19

I'm not a domain expert in this field. However, I do have a PhD in chemical physics and I dare say that this is one of the most informative and high quality videos I have seen so far on YouTube. Excellent work!

Stevan - 2021-12-12

@Krikey Dial you know i have heard stories of them ethnically cleansing tennis players by throwing them in the volcano, trust me i have a phd in youtubenometry hahahahah

Krikey Dial - 2021-12-13

@Stevan You definitely don't have a PhD in English or you would have known the difference between "and" and "or."

Stevan - 2021-12-13

@Krikey Dial you can trust me, im a youtube comment

Nathalie Jones - 2021-05-20

Great, informative, and well described video!! I graduated as a Geological engineer and this is the first "all audience" geo video I watch that I actually learned something and was in awe the whole time. Great job!!!! post more!

karlhein - 2021-06-27

i spent my time on youtube usually watching documentary channels about ocean, the past lives and history, this is the first video that made me interested in geology. Great job, i hope you'll go far, earth has too many interesting to learn in a single life, channels like yours helped me to know various objects easily.

No one _ - 2021-07-13

Holy crap this is amazing. The production and the amount of research done is jaw dropping. Definitely subbing. I hope your videos reach so many more people!

matt boudreaux - 2021-05-28

Wow! Thank you for such a beautifully produced and well researched video. It integrated so much geological knowledge. Love it!

FMeister94 - 2020-11-25

The graphics are extremely high quality feels like this commissioned documentary from National Geographic

Green Man - 2021-06-07

@Michael M OH! I didn't realize this was the same person. I had already watched most of that collection of videos, and was rather sad that they weren't being added to. I liked them very much. This video seems to go into more depth, and assume a different level of knowledge on the part of the viewer. Which isn't a complaint, quite the opposite. I'm not saying it is hard either. Someone like myself, who only did an intro to geology course at college - and that was a LONG time ago, finds this video perfectly easy to understand.

Argy News - 2021-12-06

@STOPGOTDAMN DELETINGMYCOMMENTS Mabey a 5000 washing machines long ufo crashes there and made a weird geological area

marioornot - 2022-01-03

The graphics in the video are so insanely good! Subscribing to hopefully see more like it

2KOOLURATOOL - 2022-01-18

@DontShoot12 and now the Science Channel

Syclone0044 - 2022-01-20

@NotMyRealName No I agree with that guy, this is the golden age of YouTube. I am following several new accounts like this with absolutely national broadcast-quality content coming from a seemingly random unknown independent dude. Brick Immortar is the first one to come to mind, he covers disasters like buildings s bridge collapses, extremely satisfying and equally well done animations.

Woah, Dude, its me! - 2022-01-10

Beautiful and informative, thank you for an in depth explanation that covered much more than the initial subject of the video! I came here expecting some look into the history of one mountain and I stayed for the lesson in geology, tectonics and vulcanism.

Lady D - 2021-05-26

I'm loving this channel so far! Thank u for putting together such high quality, super informative, educational vids & not putting em behind a paywall - tho tbh, u absolutely cld charge for such work & I don't think anyone wld fault u, this is fantastic!

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: Diary of a Female Nomad - 2021-12-11

I love your content. Thanks for producing such amazing documentaries. Hard to believe you’re a one-man show. Hats off to you!

deepandhigh715 - 2021-09-04

This video and two other videos about volcanos from your previous channel are one of the most informative video I ever saw in Youtube!
As a Korean, I am very familiar with the Mt.Paekdu, but I did not know what recent studies say about the mountain.
So Thanks a lot for letting me know the secret of the our beloved mountain, and I really hope other Koreans can watch your video too.
But there is a language barrier!!
Sadly Youtube stopped supporting community captions. I would definitely make one, if it was still available.

AttemptsAtFlight - 2020-11-17

What an incredibly underrated channel. This is without any exaggeration, some of the highest quality content on YouTube

The_Great_Phoenix - 2020-11-23

yessir science is the future

David Holcomb - 2020-11-23

not underrated. just new.

KandR - 2020-11-23

Absolutely. The graphics are top notch and the explanations are both pithy AND comprehensive, which is like someone sprinkling unicorn shavings on your space-caviar sandwich. 👍

citizenschallengeYT - 2020-11-23

@KandR my first visit, but must agree great presentation.

D. Graze - 2020-11-24

calling underrated for channel who just have 2 vids. i think you're wrong, yeah been thinking about it 100 times, i think you are still wrong. LAWL

Ettore Chiereguini - 2021-05-25

Wishing I had productions like this during my Geophysics Bachelor era. Amazing graphics, amazing video, such a clean explanation of something that is quite difficult to understand at first. I'm amazed. This is unique. Thanks so much.

Mike Borsos - 2021-06-12

Please allow me to express utmost respect and congratulations to tackle such a complex subject. The mix of thouroughly researched information provided with clear language and being visualised in multiple layers make this video an outstanding educational product, regardless at what stage you are. Thank you.

Fisheye Lens - 2021-09-27

The mystery of how this off plate anomaly happened was a treat, you guys did a great job explaining the differences between near plate subduction and how the off plate incline in subduction has a major role in "anomalies" that could not be explained in the past, I am thinking that the reason this happened is because the small heads could not talk to the larger heads because the larger heads where trying to figure out how to duck the smaller heads out of their findings, in the end it took years of research to thwart the small heads and finally claim they hit the right button.Me, a high school grad, with 2 years of electronics training and a lifetime in a public library, stopped the video at the question in the video as to what this anomaly could be caused by and it took me 10 mins to figure it out, played the rest of your vid and was spot on, ok. Not a nod to me but head shake to academia. Don't know what else to say but colleges need to improve who they offer scholarships to, still, not talking about me at 62 years old, just people who don't fit your mold.

bmcmillantx - 2021-12-08

Absolutely one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on YouTube!!! Very well edited with awesome graphics I have not seen anywhere else that give a very clear picture of what was going on underneath. Thank you so much for your hard work on this definitely subscribing and liking this video.

Deep Dive - 2020-11-17

This was the first video I made for this channel - although it’s now released as the second one. It probably wasn’t wise to tackle so a complex and long topic before I even knew what visual style I was going for as it meant I had to start over multiple times during the animation/editing process because I wasn’t happy with how the video looked - but in the end it turned out pretty nice I think. I'm still not 100% happy but at some point I just have to let it go and focus on new projects. Hope you enjoy it.

OCCULT BASS - 2021-12-05

You are your own worst critic! I personally think this video was so well made!!! Don't put yourself down!!!

Outdoor Wisconsin - 2021-12-05

what editing and animation application programs did you use? I want to use these techniques on my own content as well

Outdoor Wisconsin - 2021-12-05

@Matthew Wood Did they get back to you on what editing applications they used?

H Max - 2021-12-08

Congratulations, You did an incredible job. So much better explained and made than many videos attempting to the the same.

Ed Martin - 2022-01-08

@SeriousKarol I love how everyone ignores you as you try to start an argument.

corbyn cools - 2021-06-06

I am very impressed with the production quality of this geology video. I am fascinated by geological processes and found this video easy to follow and as the same time captivating.

cymbalspecialist - 2021-11-26

Agree with the other positive comments below. Nicely presented and well-explained. I could follow almost every word. Thank you! I went to Changbai a few years ago. It's rare to find it unclouded. I did get a glimpse of the caldera lake. Magnificent!. People there seem to be completely unaware of the vulnerabilities.

Dan Altaras - 2021-10-18

Wow! What a well done, beautifully illustrated, and visually compelling video, along with technical terms being explained along the way, and oh so much more!
Like National Geographic? I can't recall when last I saw something this good anywhere. I hope the views generate enough to support more such Deep Dives. Bravo, and thank you

Palaeoboy - 2021-05-17

An excellent presentation with incredible data bringing you through the scientific process. Well done for this.

Bintang Anandhiya - 2020-12-03

I have a feeling that I should have paid to see this man's work.

Angie - 2021-01-16

Same 💀

Natasha - 2021-01-28

Was thinking the same :3
as 800 other people lol

西方是同性恋 - 2021-11-25

That's the purpose of premium, and he already earns money from the ads

Arvantsa Raihan - 2022-03-07

keknya iklan udah cukup membayar buat creatornya wkwkwk

Alex Vann - 2021-05-20

WOW! What an absolutely amazing video, thank you so much! This is exactly the kind of detailed and informative content about the world around us that we need more of! Subscribed!

Phil Vaive - 2021-11-15

This was incredibly interesting, and the production value is amazing! Your narration is great too. This is the first time I've come across your channel and I'm subscribed now!

Margah Ohlt - 2021-06-08

Yo subscribed with notifications set to all! Your level of detail in this video was insane and on par with a full fledged documentary. I will be looking for your new videos however long they may take to produce!

Alex Teichner - 2021-12-19

Subscribed. This channel's quality is bar-none, and legit some of the best I've seen on YouTube. Well done... This gives a layman a decent understanding of the basics of volcanology, along with plate tectonics. It's very very complicated, but this is a great entryway to the subject. Well done!

Nathan Downs - 2021-03-26

It’s almost hard to believe that this is a one man show with such high quality videography and research. You’re giving whole networks like National Geographic and Discovery a run for their money. Fantastic work!

Domyras - 2021-12-02

these days, that is not really saying much is it...

AKittenPlays - 2021-12-05

i think it's more than one person, but still

Flemkopf - 2021-12-08

The animations, overlays of depth plots on maps, models showing subducting tectonic plates, this is the type of video that gets kids really excited about geology. I am totally sharing this one.

ダイヤモンドフユカイ - 2022-02-14

@yonGGeun 드래근신 only korean says that 😂

yonGGeun 드래근신 - 2022-02-14

@ダイヤモンドフユカイ it actually is though

Mitchell Rogers - 2021-11-26

This is an excellent video, so well explained, the graphics are amazing, and the content is highly educational. I can say I learnt something today!

Brian theSnail - 2021-12-04

Great video. I never knew the mechanism that created volcanoes at plate boundaries was essentially water based although I knew about what creates Yellowstone. Fascinating stuff as was the discussion of the complex anomaly that caused Changbai.

saturnia22 - 2021-12-04

I'm just an armchair browser and I've watched many geologic presentations, this was the most interesting, topic and explanation, you really did your homework on this, it's a gem.