WASHINGTON: Seismic tomography technique is what was used by researchers to produce a complete picture of the volcanic “plumbing system” at Yellowstone, from the Earth’s mantle up to the surface. This is one of the world’s most dynamic volcanic systems that were previously unknown reservoir of hot, partly molten rock. Researchers say that its size can facilitate the filling up of Grand Canyon 11 times.
This is the second, deeper reservoir of 4.5 times larger after a discovery of another large magma chamber under Yellowstone which is said to have fed the eruptions 2 million, 1.2 million and 640,000 years ago.
Even though it mainly contains solid hot rock, some of the rock formations on the reservoir are melted. Yellowstone’s volcanic system has remained unchanged for nearly 17 million years though with slight deviations that may have been caused by shifts in the North American tectonic plate. Apparently the plate is said to move an inch every year southwestwards.
