Yellowstone's restless magma shifts northeast, USGS reveals
Geologists from the USGS warn about changes in the volcanic activity of Yellowstone, which may shift to the northeast, reports Newsweek.
The latest research conducted by scientists at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicates a possible shift in magma activity under the Yellowstone supervolcano toward the northeast.
New approach to magma study
The Yellowstone Caldera, one of the largest volcanic systems in the world, is powered by the so-called Yellowstone Hotspot. Over the past 2.1 million years, this complex has experienced three main caldera eruption episodes. USGS scientists, including volcanic seismologist Ninfa Bennington, employed a novel electromagnetic technique to study the structure of the Earth's crust.
Analysis showed that in the western part of the caldera, volcanic activity may be decreasing, and future eruptions are more likely in northeastern Yellowstone. Studies suggest that there may be up to approximately 430 cubic kilometres of molten rock under the northeastern part of Yellowstone.
Potential threats
The research team identified seven areas under Yellowstone with higher magma content that may be interconnected. These magma bodies are located at depths ranging from 4 to 46 kilometres beneath the surface. These findings could be significant 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 may erupt. Previous research methods were limited by the properties of the Earth's crust, such as temperature, which made it challenging to determine the location of the molten rock precisely. The new approach could 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' conclusions may help in better preparation for possible future volcanic eruptions in Yellowstone.
