Yellowstone's restless volcano: New northeast eruption risks
Geologists from the USGS are warning about changes in volcanic activity at Yellowstone that may shift to the northeast, according to Newsweek.
The latest research conducted by scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicates a possible shift in magma activity beneath the Yellowstone supervolcano towards the northeast.
New approach to studying magma
The Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest volcanic systems in the world, is fueled by the so-called Yellowstone Hotspot. Over the past 2.1 million years, this complex has undergone three major caldera-forming eruptions. Scientists from the USGS, including volcanic seismologist Ninfa Bennington, have applied an innovative electromagnetic technique to study the Earth's crustal structure.
Analysis shows that in the western part of the caldera, volcanic activity may be decreasing, and future eruptions are more likely in the northeast of Yellowstone. Studies suggest that there could be up to about 103 cubic miles of molten rock beneath the northeastern part of Yellowstone.
Potential hazards
The research team has identified seven areas beneath Yellowstone with higher magma content that could be interconnected. These magma bodies are located at depths ranging from 2.5 to 29 miles below the surface. These findings could have implications for future research and monitoring of volcanic activity in the region.
Further research will be necessary to determine when the magma reservoir in the northeast might erupt. Previous research methods were limited by properties of the Earth's crust, such as temperature, complicating the precise determination of the location of molten rock. The new approach may yield more accurate results.
These studies are crucial for understanding the dynamics of one of the most volcanically active regions in the world. The scientists' findings can help better prepare for potential future volcanic eruptions in Yellowstone.
