Scientists know when Yellowstone volcano could erupt
Scientists studying Yellowstone's supervolcano have made strides in understanding when it might erupt.
Research published in the journal Nature focuses on magma chambers stored within the Earth’s crust and the potential risks of a future eruption.
The study utilized a groundbreaking technique that detects magma pockets using magnetic fields recorded by instruments placed throughout Yellowstone National Park.
Findings revealed that the four magma chambers beneath Yellowstone collectively contain more liquid magma than the three eruptions that formed the Yellowstone caldera, the most recent of which occurred 640,000 years ago.
Despite the significant amount of magma, scientists note that Yellowstone currently lacks the conditions necessary for an eruption, although concerning activity has been observed in recent years.
"We have a much lower concentration of magma in these pore spaces, so a lot fewer of the pore spaces are filled with magma. What that means is you can’t interconnect these magmas to," said co-author of the study and volcano seismologist, Ninfa Bennington.
(QG - The Daily Star / Picture: © Pixabay)