Yellowstone

[bjdeming]

No panic: I just noticed there doesn't seem to be a thread for this popular travel destination and sensationalism magnet that we're all curious about.

Also, some USGS info from January:

...
This study gave a clear picture of how magma is distributed through the crust at Yellowstone using a method that is most sensitive to the presence of magma and is an ideal tool for imaging volcanic systems. The method relies on the Earth’s natural electromagnetic field. In Yellowstone, which is the largest volcanic system in the United States, this method of mapping magma has brought a new level of understanding to how the system may change in the future.

Scientists mapped rhyolitic magma, a form of magma or hot molten rock, that has caused previous explosive eruptions in Yellowstone. The study found that across Yellowstone Volcanic system, the percentage of this rhyolitic magma is low indicating an eruption anywhere is unlikely. An area in the northeast of Yellowstone Volcanic system though, does have the capability of producing more rhyolitic magma because of an underground heat source located there, known as crustal basalt...

I'm reading up on Jellystone's supervolcano/"large caldera system" (current term used by some boffins for the biggies) for the blog and was surprised to learn that some experts think that this particular expression of hotspot volcanism is on its way to extinction as the North American plate continues to move in a southwesterly direction.

Not the 15-million-year-old hotspot itself, though. That finding of possible rhyolitic magma and hot basalt to the northeast fits right into the picture.

 

[bjdeming]

People here know better than to fall for that stuff, but it's pretty widespread so here's the factual response:

 

[bjdeming]

On a more serious note, here's an article on their latest response plans.

For contrast, check out Volcano Cowboys, if you can find a copy of this book, for behind-the-scenes descriptions of just how awful the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption was on volcanologists. Now imagine that on steroids for any stepped-up activity at Yellowstone.

Supervolcanoes do plenty of non-supersized stuff: Aso and Aira in Japan are good examples, as is Taupo, in New Zealand. Yellowstone is no different, just quieter, but volcanologists will have to go through a specially intense stress as they respond to public expectations and fears if and when any major restlessness develops there.