Magma cap discovered beneath Yellowstone caps potential eruption risk

In a significant geological discovery, geoscientists have identified a magma cap situated approximately 2.4 miles below the Earth's surface at Yellowstone National Park in the United States. This discovery sheds light on the complex structures located within one of the world's largest and most active volcanic systems. Researchers utilized a 53,000-pound vibroseis truck to generate seismic waves, which provided key data about the subsurface layers and the magma cap's location. The researchers were surprised to find such dynamics at this depth, suggesting that the rock and liquid magma are actively engaging in a process that stabilizes the volcanic system. The magma cap acts as a lid, trapping both heat and pressure beneath it, which is vital for understanding the potential for future volcanic activity. The study's lead author, Brandon Schmandt, a professor at Rice University, noted that the reservoir's stability is heavily influenced by the depth of magma storage. The long-standing question regarding the upper boundaries of this magma reservoir has now been partly answered, revealing that the reservoir has been active and dynamic for millions of years. This finding puts into perspective the complexity surrounding Yellowstone's geology, which presents challenges for data acquisition and interpretation of seismic activity. While the discovery is significant, researchers determined that an eruption at Yellowstone is not likely to occur imminently. Ongoing data analysis indicates the magma reservoir is actively venting gas in a stable manner, described as a