Discoveries from the new study have shed light on important facts about Yellowstone, one of the largest volcanic systems in the world. A new study published in the journal Nature on April 16 sheds light on an exhilarating finding. The researchers discovered an unusual “breathing” cap of magma located 2.6 miles (3.8 kilometers) underground. We can think of this cap as a lid. It only permits gas bubbles to move up and out through its hive-like structure, releasing internal pressure and reducing the likelihood of a cataclysmic explosion in the near future.
Yellowstone’s supervolcano has experienced three cataclysmic eruptions in the past 2.1 million years. The last major eruption occurred 640,000 years ago. This eruption blanketed an area larger than the state of Delaware, 2,900 square miles (7,500 square kilometers). Given its history, researchers have long sought to understand the dynamics of the magma system beneath Yellowstone and its potential for future eruptions.
Using a 53,000-pound (24,000 kilograms) vibroseis truck, researchers were able to identify the depth and structure of the magma reservoir. This specialized equipment is used for the generation of small earthquakes that create seismic waves, which bounce back off various geologic layers below the earth’s surface. This study concludes that the magma reservoir has been robustly persistent for millions of years. That doesn’t mean it is not moving; it is still very much alive.
Brandon Schmandt, a professor of earth, environmental, and planetary sciences at Rice University, is one of the study’s co-authors. On the call, Dr. Long stressed just how critical these findings were.
“For decades, we’ve known there’s magma beneath Yellowstone, but the exact depth and structure of its upper boundary has been a big question,” – Brandon Schmandt.
“Although we detected a volatile-rich layer, its bubble and melt contents are below the levels typically associated with imminent eruption,” – Brandon Schmandt.
The results are consistent with Yellowstone’s hydrothermal system being a vigorous gas venting system. It’s doing this through microscopic cracks and channels between mineral crystals, not signaling a coming eruption. By trapping heat beneath the surface, this phenomenon is responsible for many of Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features, which release magmatic gases, Schmandt explained.
“What we’ve found is that this reservoir hasn’t shut down — it’s been sitting there for a couple million years, but it’s still dynamic,” – Brandon Schmandt.
Realistically, predicting an eruption is complicated by the complexity of Yellowstone’s volcanic system. Learning how to read the behavior of its magma cap would give us some key clues about when the volcano might erupt again and it’s probably not anytime soon. The researchers hope these findings will improve future eruption forecasts and aid with continued monitoring.
