Magnesium is one element present in the volcano's different rock layers.
镁元素存在于火山的不同岩层中。
Since it diffuses slowly through crystalline rock, scientists can calculate rock ages by how much magnesium is present.
由于镁元素在结晶岩层中扩散缓慢，因此科学家可以通过检测镁元素含量计算岩层的年龄。
Scientists found that almost all of the crystal layers on Santorini were deposited just before the eruption.
科学家们发现，圣托里尼岛上所有的结晶岩层在火山爆发前几乎全部沉积下来。
That meant that several cubic miles of hot magna rose from the depths of the volcano very rapidly.
这意味着，数立方英里的火热岩浆从火山深处迅速喷发。
The magma melted and mixed with the rocks just below the surface immediately before the massive explosion.
在大规模的火山爆发前，岩浆融化后立即与地表下的岩石融合。
The volcano that had been sleeping for thousands of years woke in the blink of an eye.
因此，沉睡数千年的火山眨眼间喷发了。
Researchers don't know what caused such a large volume of magma to rise so quickly, but their findings may give scientists a clue to help predict the next big eruption.
研究人员不明白造成这么多岩浆迅速喷发的原因，但他们的研究发现也许为科学家预测未来的大爆发提供参考线索。
GPS measurements show that the rim of Santorini is deforming right now, indicating that more magma may be on the rise.
根据GPS测量显示，圣托里尼火山口边缘正在扭曲，这预示着更多的岩浆可能正蓄势待发。
译文为秀哈英语翻译，未经授权请勿转载!
