Jan 3, 2025, 11:01 PM

Yellowstone won't erupt: is this a sign of a safer future?

first national park in the world, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho in the United States

Highlights

The Yellowstone volcanic system has a history of significant eruptions, including one approximately 2 million years ago.
Current research shows a lack of concentrated rhyolitic material necessary for large eruptions, with major sources of molten rock being insufficiently connected.
Although there is currently no threat of a major eruption, certain areas may be monitored for future activity.

Story

In a recent study concerning the Yellowstone volcanic system, which is located in the United States, researchers assessed the potential for eruptions within the next few years. Their findings highlight that the volcanic system, known for its historical eruptions, is currently stable due to lack of sufficient molten material near the surface to support a significant eruption. Total molten basaltic material has been identified to range from 4,000 to 6,500 cubic kilometers, but this quantity is spread out and not sufficiently concentrated. While the potential for smaller eruptions remains due to approximately 100 cubic kilometers of rhyolitic material, the study concludes that larger, catastrophic eruptions are unlikely at this time.

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