There is no evidence suggesting that Yellowstone is about to erupt in the near future.
This might be unexpected considering its impressive volcanic past. Yellowstone has undergone “supereruptions” — incredibly powerful volcanic occurrences that can cause regional devastation and cover large portions of the U.S. in ash. These eruptions were significantly larger than any documented in history. The last eruption, although not deemed “super,” took place approximately 70,000 years ago, spreading lava across what today is Yellowstone National Park.
Recent studies provide insights into why this park, known for its over 500 bubbling geysers, shows no signs of a forthcoming eruption. Presently, the magma reservoirs lying beneath Yellowstone contain relatively low amounts of molten rock. In simpler terms, there is insufficient magma to create the heat and pressure necessary for an eruption to occur.
“We can definitively state that these regions are not capable of producing an eruption at this time,” stated Ninfa Bennington, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and the principal author of a study recently published in *Nature*.
Beneath the Yellowstone Caldera — a large basin created by a massive eruption and collapse roughly 631,000 years ago — exist several magma reservoirs. These reservoirs can be visualized as sponges full of pores. Although some magma fills these voids, the reservoirs are nowhere near saturated.
In the far-off future, these sponges could become fully filled with magma, generating the substantial pressure necessary to trigger an eruption. However, for the moment, there is no reason for alarm.
“We are quite far from that right now,” Bennington reassured.
### Grasping Yellowstone’s Magma Reservoirs
To gain a deeper understanding of the magma dynamics beneath Yellowstone, scientists utilized a method known as magnetotellurics. Unlike radar or sonar, which transmit signals and analyze their reflections, magnetotelluric surveys depend on Earth’s natural electromagnetic field. Since magma is a superb conductor of electricity, it enables researchers to identify its presence deep underground.
The results not only verified that Yellowstone is incapable of erupting at present but also indicated that the most primitive magma ascending from Earth’s mantle connects directly to a reservoir located in the northeastern section of the Yellowstone Caldera. This implies that if volcanic activity were to resume in the distant future, this area would probably serve as the epicenter.
Nonetheless, there is no indication that these reservoirs are accumulating magma. “It could be a very lengthy time,” Bennington mentioned.
### Years of Warning Prior to an Eruption
Should magma ascend from deep within the Earth and fill the upper reservoirs, an eruption would not be unexpected. Scientists would have decades, or even centuries, of advance notice. The movement of magma would lead to significant earthquake swarms and substantial ground deformation.
“These factors are closely monitored, so there will be ample time to alert about any potential future eruption,” notes the U.S. Geological Survey.
As of now, Yellowstone remains a low-risk volcanic site. While minor eruptions triggered by hot water and steam occur from time to time, the park primarily features thermal pools and stunning geysers — a reminder of the powerful forces lying dormant beneath the surface, awaiting a distant day to awaken.