Yellowstone National Park has unveiled a hidden magma chamber. Geoscientists found a magma cap, about 2.4 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, that is stopping a huge eruption in one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems. A team of researchers discovered the “volatile rich” cap, made of magma, which is acting as a lid—trapping pressure and heat below it. The cap was revealed after scientists used a 53,000-pound vibroseis truck to generate tiny earthquakes, sending seismic waves into the ground. They were shocked to see “something physically happening” at the depth where the magma cap lies.
Not really sure why this matters, but the uppermost magma storage depth strongly influences the stability of hazardous volcanic systems. The exact depth and structure of the magma reservoir beneath Yellowstone’s caldera have been uncertain for years. Researchers discovered more magma reservoir under the caldera than previously thought in 2022. The magma cap consists of silicate melt and supercritical water bubbles within porous rock.
Maybe it’s just me, but despite the presence of a volatile-rich layer, an eruption at Yellowstone is not imminent, according to the researchers. The magma reservoir is actively releasing gas but remains stable. The system is described as “steady breathing,” with bubbles rising and releasing through the porous rock. Despite the challenges of Yellowstone’s complex geology, the researchers were able to capture clear images of the magma reservoir.
The discovery provides potential insights into future activity within Yellowstone’s volcanic system.
