Understanding the Hidden Magma Beneath Yellowstone Supervolcano
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Chapter 1: The Secrets of Yellowstone's Magma
Recent research has unveiled that the Yellowstone supervolcano holds significantly more liquid magma beneath its surface than previously believed. Despite this discovery, scientists emphasize that the volcano is not on the verge of erupting.
[Photo by Pixabay]
Yellowstone, situated in Wyoming, USA, is a remnant of its former power, last erupting around 640,000 years ago. The last lava flow occurred long before humans roamed the North American continent. Though it remains active, the likelihood of an imminent eruption is still low.
A comprehensive study conducted by an international team, led by geologist Ross Maguire from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), has assessed the percentage of molten material deep within the Earth’s crust beneath the Yellowstone caldera.
Predicting volcanic activity largely depends on interpreting various signs, particularly the behavior of magma and the gases it emits. Researchers focused on identifying liquid magma, as it serves as a crucial indicator of a volcano’s potential for eruption.
“The findings from our study reveal that the magma chamber beneath Yellowstone contains a substantial volume of liquid magma, which has historically contributed to past eruptions. However, this does not imply an immediate threat of eruption,” Prof. Maguire explains.
Earlier seismic studies indicated the existence of two magma chambers beneath Yellowstone: one located at depths of approximately 5 to 10 kilometers, and another at depths ranging from 20 to 50 kilometers.
Section 1.1: Assessing Eruption Risks
Scientists examined seismic wave data collected from 2000 to 2018 and utilized tomographic imaging to analyze the volcano's structure. Their research discovered that these magma chambers contain around 16 to 20% molten magma, a significant increase from previous estimates of 10% or less. They noted that the greatest concentration of molten magma is found at depths between 3 and 8 kilometers.
Experts caution that the risk of an eruption is heightened when liquid magma comprises at least 35 to 50% of the total magma. However, this is only one factor among many that contribute to eruption predictions, making accurate forecasting a complex challenge. Prof. Maguire acknowledges that although their research employs cutting-edge techniques, it is not infallible, and some areas with higher concentrations of liquid magma may have been overlooked.
Importantly, the researchers clarify that their findings do not imply that the volume of liquid magma has dramatically increased beneath Yellowstone in the last two decades.
“The results of this study do not indicate an increased risk. Instead, they showcase our scientific advancements in understanding the subterranean dynamics of Yellowstone National Park,” states Kari Cooper, a geologist at the University of California, Davis, who was not part of the study, during an interview with New Scientist.
[Photo by Darrell Gough from Pexels]
Chapter 2: The Potential Impact of an Eruption
The first video titled "Yellowstone is Closer to Erupting than Previously Thought; More Liquid Magma Detected" explores the implications of the recent findings regarding liquid magma beneath Yellowstone.
In the second video, "Why Yellowstone Volcanoes Might Be Huge," experts discuss the geological significance of Yellowstone and its potential for future eruptions.
Should the Yellowstone supervolcano erupt, the consequences could be catastrophic. The caldera is a remnant of several massive supervolcano eruptions that took place over the past 2.1 million years, with the last occurring 640,000 years ago. These eruptions ranked at the highest levels on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI).
A 2014 study indicated that a modern-day eruption could blanket nearly the entire United States in volcanic ash. Furthermore, the eruption would likely lead to a significant climatic cooling due to the release of large amounts of sulfur oxides into the atmosphere, reflecting sunlight for years to come. This scenario could have devastating effects on agriculture and the environment.
Earth and Moon photographed from Orion’s perspective.
On Monday, November 28, Orion moved 435,000 kilometers away from Earth. No manned spacecraft has ever been that far.
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