Yellowstone's Magma Moves Northeastward

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Scientists mapped four magma chambers under Yellowstone, with the northeastern chamber showing potential for future volcanic activity.

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USGS researcher Ninfa Bennington used electrical signals to detect molten rock patterns beneath Yellowstone's surface.

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The northeastern magma chamber stays warm through its connection to deeper heat sources, unlike the other three chambers.

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Yellowstone's last major eruption created a 30 by 45-mile crater 631,000 years ago, shaping today's landscape.

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The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory tracks daily seismic activity, ground shifts, and gas releases to monitor the volcanic system.

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Current measurements indicate stable conditions, with the magma remaining partially molten and no signs of immediate volcanic threat.

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While the northeastern section could host future volcanic activity, such changes would take hundreds of thousands of years to develop.

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Scientists compare Yellowstone with other supervolcanoes like Indonesia's Toba, which last erupted 74,000 years ago.

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Regular heat release through hot springs and geysers helps maintain the system's natural equilibrium.

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