Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most iconic geothermal features in the US. Beneath its colorful hot springs and spewing geysers lies a volcanic system that has captivated scientists for decades.
Researchers have long noted three massive eruptions in Yellowstone, leaving behind giant calderas. These colossal blasts are rare, so experts study lingering heat and rock structures to understand how these systems evolve.
A recent study using magnetotelluric instruments revealed four distinct magma bodies beneath Yellowstone, with only one in the northeastern sector expected to retain enough heat to stay partially molten long-term. This discovery refines older ideas that suggested multiple areas could erupt in the future.
By comparing data worldwide, scientists can gauge the intervals between major eruptions, giving communities perspective on the pace of geologic change. While there is currently no immediate threat, ongoing research helps reduce uncertainty and shows that colossal events happen on geological timelines.
The study provides a deeper glimpse into Yellowstone’s volcanic system and highlights the importance of monitoring volcanic regions globally. Continued advances in imaging technology and field observations refine our understanding of underground processes, allowing researchers to spot temperature and pressure variations that might foreshadow bigger changes.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstone-supervolcano-eruption-study-sparks-new-debate-on-where-and-when-it-will-erupt