Beneath the surface of the Yellowstone Supervolcano lies a fascinating discovery that could potentially lead to increased volcanic activity in the northeast region. Researchers from the US Geological Survey and Oregon State University have been studying the natural electromagnetic fields around the Yellowstone Caldera and have found several reservoirs of explosive magma. These reservoirs, located at depths ranging from 4 to 47 kilometers, are near the boundary where the Earth’s crust meets the mantle. Some of these reservoirs are interconnected, creating a complex network.

Interestingly, the research indicates that volcanic activity in the western part of Yellowstone may be on the decline. Certain areas of the caldera contain chambers of magma with low melt fractions, making them less likely to erupt. However, a significant reservoir of explosive eruption-associated magma, known as rhyolitic magma, has been discovered beneath the northeast Yellowstone Caldera. This reservoir is being fueled by heat and material from basalt moving up from the Earth’s lower crust, resulting in a large amount of magma stored underground.

The researchers believe that future rhyolitic volcanic activity has shifted to the northeast Yellowstone Caldera, increasing the likelihood of explosive eruptions in this area. It is important to note that these findings do not necessarily mean an imminent eruption. Volcanic processes operate on geological timescales, which are much longer than human timescales. Yellowstone has seen three massive explosive volcanic eruptions in the past 2.1 million years, with an average interval of approximately 725,000 years between eruptions. Despite the last major eruption occurring 631,000 years ago, it does not necessarily indicate that another eruption is imminent.

Predicting volcanic activity is a challenging task, so it is always best to exercise caution. The study detailing these findings has been published in the journal Nature.