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A new study shows that large reservoirs of magma can remain beneath dormant volcanoes for thousands of years without triggering eruptions, changing the way we think about volcanic activity.
A team of scientists led by Guanning Pang of Cornell University studied the Cascade Range using modern seismic stations. They found that magma reservoirs lie between 5 and 15 km below the surface and consist of porous rock through which liquid magma moves.
By analyzing seismic waves, researchers have found significant decelerations in velocity, indicating the presence of liquid magma. However, the proportion of molten magma in these reservoirs ranges from 3% to 32%, which is not enough to start an eruption. For explosive activity, the level of melting must exceed 35%, so the detected magma chambers do not pose an immediate threat.
While scientists are confident that these reservoirs could persist for centuries, they emphasize the importance of further research into volcanoes around the world.
Similar methods can help predict volcanic activity and prevent potential disasters.
