Scientists Say Something Is Corking the Yellowstone Supervolcano

Something is blocking it from erupting. Smoking Lids Researchers have found evidence that a giant "lid" made of magma could be stopping the supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park from erupting. As detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature last month, a team of researchers discovered a "volatile-rich cap" a mere 2.36 miles below the surface, trapping pressure and heat below it. In fact, the researchers believe the obstruction may be what's preventing the volcanic system from erupting — a blast that's happened several times previously in the history of our planet, and which could have devastating consequences for civilization if it happened again. "For decades, we’ve known there’s magma beneath Yellowstone, but the exact depth and structure of its upper boundary has been a big question," said team colead and Rice University professor of earth, environmental, and planetary sciences Brandon Schmandt in a statement. "What we’ve found is that this reservoir hasn’t shut down ... Read full article.