Yellowstone supervolcano has much more magma than previously thought, study finds

The Yellowstone supervolcano in the Western US contains substantially more magma than scientists previously thought, according to a new study that may lead to a better assessment of the volcano’s hazards. While the modern Yellowstone supervolcano remains active, scientists said questions remain on the volume and distribution of its magma and how these compare with the conditions which preceded the volcano’s previous eruptions in history. Based on recent observations from spatially isolated seismometers in the region, the new study suggests the supervolcano may contain substantial melt – more than scientists had previously thought. “Although our results indicate that Yellowstone’s magma reservoir contains substantial melt at depths that fueled prior eruptions, our study does not confirm the presence of an eruptible body or imply a future eruption,” scientists wrote in the study.