Yellowstone’s Dreaded Supervolcano Has an Unexpected Power Source, Study Says
Gizmodo • • science
Key Points:
- A new study published in Science reveals that Yellowstone's volcanic system is fueled by magma melts from the shallow mantle, guided by tectonic forces, rather than a deep mantle plume as previously thought.
- Researchers developed a 3D model showing that tectonic forces in the Earth's lithosphere drive magma generation through heat and decompression in the upper mantle, controlling how magma migrates through a complex network beneath Yellowstone.
- The Yellowstone Caldera comprises a complex magma plumbing system with both shallow reservoirs and deeper sources, challenging the idea of a single giant magma chamber fueling eruptions.
- This research enhances understanding of Yellowstone's volcanic dynamics and could improve forecasting of volcanic eruptions and risk assessment for large caldera systems.
- Unlike many volcanoes formed at tectonic plate boundaries, Yellowstone's volcanic activity is influenced by tectonic structures within the continent, leading to a more intricate magma migration process.
