Yellowstone National Park, home to a vast pool of active magma, is being kept in check by a unique “breathing” cap of magma rich in volatiles, as revealed by geologists. This cap, located just 3.8km below the park’s surface, is believed to release gases and alleviate pressure, potentially preventing volcanic eruptions. Described as a system akin to “steady breathing,” the cap functions by venting gas through cracks and channels within the rock structure. Researchers from multiple universities, including Rice University and the University of Utah, shared their discoveries in the Nature science journal.

To uncover this phenomenon, the team utilized a 53,000lb vibroseis truck to induce tiny earthquakes and send seismic waves underground for analysis. Despite the logistical challenges posed by Yellowstone’s size and activity, over 600 seismometers were deployed to capture the data. By interpreting seismic wave reflections, the researchers pinpointed the cap’s location at 3.8km depth, refining previous estimates of the magma system’s depth variability from three to eight kilometers.

This breakthrough sheds light on the complex mechanisms regulating volcanic activity at Yellowstone, offering insights into how the current magma conditions differ from historical eruption events. By studying this natural “breathing” process, scientists aim to enhance their understanding of volcanic systems and potentially improve eruption forecasting.