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Magma Beneath Yellowstone National park
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 23, 1975
Summary
The Yellowstone plateau shows evidence of recent volcanic activity and a potential magma body beneath the surface. This suggests ongoing geological processes and possible future eruptions in the region.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Volcanology
- Geophysics
Background:
- The Yellowstone plateau volcanic field is geologically active, with a history of eruptions and hydrothermal activity over the past two million years.
- Recent geological events, including doming and rhyolitic extrusions, suggest a potential new phase of magmatic activity.
- The region exhibits unique geophysical characteristics, including gravity lows and aeromagnetic anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subsurface structure and magmatic potential of the Yellowstone plateau volcanic field.
- To understand the underlying causes of recent volcanic and hydrothermal activity.
- To assess the risk of future volcanic events in the Yellowstone region.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of geological data, including volcanic history and hydrothermal activity.
- Geophysical surveys, including gravity and aeromagnetic measurements.
- Seismic wave analysis to study subsurface structures and material properties.
Main Results:
- Evidence strongly suggests the presence of a magma body beneath the Yellowstone plateau, particularly under the rhyolite plateau and adjacent Tertiary volcanics.
- Geophysical data, including gravity lows and aeromagnetic anomalies, indicate extensive hydrothermal alteration and possibly shallow magma.
- Seismic wave behavior indicates significant subsurface variations, consistent with a magma body.
Conclusions:
- The Yellowstone volcanic field is an active system with a high potential for future volcanic activity.
- The migration of volcanic foci suggests a link to underlying tectonic structures, possibly a mantle plume or a crustal fracture.
- Continued monitoring and research are essential for understanding and managing the volcanic hazards in the Yellowstone region.
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