January 4th 2025.
Deep in the heart of Yellowstone National Park lies a magnificent wonder known as the Grand Prismatic Pool. This vibrant rainbow hot spring is truly one of a kind and is the largest of its kind in the entire United States. But this stunning natural feature is just a small part of the bigger picture. Yellowstone National Park is also home to a supervolcano, whose last eruption left a lasting impact on the land.
It's hard to imagine, but 640,000 years ago, the supervolcano erupted, covering much of what is now the USA in ash and lava. The aftermath of this catastrophic event left behind a 70 by 45 kilometre-wide crater, along with impressive geysers that shoot water high into the air at temperatures hotter than boiling point. Despite the destructive nature of this eruption, it also created a diverse ecosystem that is home to wolves, bears, elk, and over 150 species of birds, including the majestic bald eagle. Additionally, Yellowstone is the last refuge for American bison herds that roam freely.
Scientists have estimated that major eruptions occur every 700,000 years, leading some to wonder if another eruption is on the horizon. While the tranquil landscape of the 8,900 square kilometre national park may suggest otherwise, there are signs that the volcano is stirring. A staggering 3,000 earthquakes rock Yellowstone each year, and deep beneath its surface, vast chambers of molten rock lie between 4 and 47 kilometres down.
This molten rock, also known as magma, is close to the Earth's surface, with an estimated volume of up to 489 cubic kilometres. In some areas, the pressure from this magma is pushing the land upwards. It's a reminder that the subterranean forces at work in Yellowstone are powerful and unpredictable.
There are two types of magma found beneath Yellowstone: basalt magma, a dense and highly mobile form, and rhyolite melt, which is slower and often associated with explosive eruptions. According to a recent study published in the Nature journal, there is approximately 440 square kilometres of rhyolite melt below the surface. This is a significant amount, but it's still less than what was previously believed.
With advanced technology, scientists have been able to map out the distribution of magma beneath Yellowstone and have discovered that it is scattered across the park. This means that there is not one large reservoir, but rather many smaller ones. This new information has led researchers to believe that another eruption is not likely to happen anytime soon, possibly not for hundreds of thousands of years.
Despite this, Yellowstone remains a popular tourist destination, attracting around four million visitors each year. With over 300 geysers and hot springs, including some that reach temperatures of 174°C, the park is a sight to behold. And while there may be some uncertainty about the future, one thing is for sure: if another eruption does occur, it won't be as vast and destructive as previously thought. So for now, visitors can continue to enjoy the beauty and wonder of Yellowstone National Park without fear of imminent danger.
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