Geocientifics have discovered a magma cap in Yellowstone National Park that probably plays a fundamental role in the prevention of a massive eruption in one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems.
The “rich volatile” lid made of magma is approximately 2.4 miles below the surface of the earth and essentially acts as a lid: catching pressure and heat under it, according to the Researchers team that discovered it.
It was found after the scientists used a 53,000 -pound vibroseis truck to generate small earthquakes that send seismic waves to the ground, according to the article, published last week in Nature. The measured waves are reflected in the underground layers, revealing a sharp limit to the depth where the magma lid is located.
The scientists were surprised to see “something physically happening” at that depth, said Brandon Schmandt, professor of Earth Sciences, environmental and planetary at the University of Rice and co -author of the study, in a statement.
Vapante morning glory pool in the upper geyser basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
Marina_poushkina/Getty Images/Istockphoto
The stability of hazardous volcanic systems is “strongly influenced” by the superior magma storage depth, according to the document. In addition, the magma tank in the upper cortex under the Yellowstone boiler has not been limited, the researchers said.
“For decades, we know that Magma is under Yellowstone, but the exact depth and structure of its upper limit has been a great question,” Schmandt said. “What we have found is that this reservoir has not closed, it has been sitting there for a couple of millions of years, but it is still dynamic.”
In 2022, the researchers discovered that Yellowstone’s supervolcano has substantially more magma deposit under the boiler than was previously thought. Lava also flows in shallow depths that fed the previous eruption.
The researchers modeled several rock conditions, foundry and volatile to determine what materials the magma lid consists of: a mixture of silicate fusion and supercritical water bubbles within the porous rock. Bubbles are formed as magma increases and decompresses, which causes gases such as water and carbon dioxide to separate from the fusion.
The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is among the innumerable hydrothermal characteristics of the national parks created by the Yellowstone Supervolcan. Photographed on July 22, 2014 in Yellowstone National Park, Wy.
Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post through Getty Images
Volcanic eruptions can occur as bubbles accumulate and increase in flotability, promoting an explosion.
However, an eruption in Yellowstone is probably not imminent, the researchers said.
Seismic image data and computer advanced modeling indicate that the magma tank is actively releasing gas but remains in a stable state. Schmandt described the system as “constant breathing”, with the bubbles that rise and release through the porous rock of the magma cover.
“Although we detect a volatile layer, its bubble and fusion content is below the levels typically associated with an imminent eruption,” said Schmandt. “On the other hand, it seems that the system is efficiently ventilating gas through cracks and channels among mineral crystals.”
Yellowstone’s complex geology proved to be a challenging environment to obtain the data, the researchers said. Dispersed seismic waves produced noise data that were difficult to interpret.
“When you see loud and challenging data, don’t give up,” said Chenlong Duan, co -author in the study.
The geoscientists could capture one of the first “super clear” images of the top of the magma tank under the Yellowstone boiler using the structural seismic image technique, said Duan, who developed the technique.
The discovery could offer clues about future activity in the middle of the extensive Yellowstone volcanic system, the The researchers said.
