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Magma Reservoir Under Yellowstone Is Much Bigger Than Previously Thought
schwit1 writes "The reservoir of molten rock underneath Yellowstone National Park in the United States is at least two and a half times larger than previously thought. Despite this, the scientists who came up with this latest estimate say that the highest risk in the iconic park is not a volcanic eruption but a huge earthquake. Jamie Farrell, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah, mapped the underlying magma reservoir by analyzing data from more than 4,500 earthquakes. Seismic waves travel more slowly through molten rock than through solid rock, and seismometers can detect those changes. The images show that the reservoir resembles a 4,000-cubic-kilometer underground sponge, with 6–8% of it filled with molten rock. It underlies most of the Yellowstone caldera and extends a little beyond it to the northeast."
Obviously what is happening is that the Shredder and Krang have been creating magma in their magma-factory inside the Technodrome. They are obviously planning something sinister, so we need to send some turtles, perhaps turtles trained in ninjutsu, down there to set things straight.
Monstar L
The last Caldera in that region of the country morphed into The SCO Group.
I've played a lot of Minecraft, and what we need to do is dig down to the Magma layer so we can get some diamonds and obsidian. This we can then use to make a portal to the Nether, which we will then enter to be safe from the perilous scourge of the pigmen.
Everybody get to punching.
I'd tap that!
Life is not for the lazy.
Until the crust becomes unstable, causing a massive extinction level erruption and consuming our stargate.
Yes, but we won't need the power plant following an ELE — this power plant would be self-decommissioning at the exact moment we're finished using it. Also, couldn't this power plant potentially extend its (and our) own service-life (should this be the risk that does us in...) by transferring energy from the caldera in a less abrupt manner?
Thank you, Edward Snowden.
"Arguments from authority are worthless." —Carl Sagan
time for a big old geothermal plant?
Several companies have applied for permits to build geothermal plants near Yellowstone Park. So far all applications have been denied, by either the federal government or the state of Montana, out of concern that they would adversely affect the geothermal features of the park. We need to understand the geology better before we start tapping the heat.
No, politicians and bureaucrats need to understand mathematics better so that they realize exactly how much heat you'd have to remove to start influencing geological events. Especially ones that measure 4000 km3...
Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
No, politicians and bureaucrats need to understand mathematics better so that they realize exactly how much heat you'd have to remove to start influencing geological events.
It may be less than you realize. According to the National Park Service: In Iceland and New Zealand, geothermal drill holes and wells 2.5 - 6.2 miles distant have reduced geyser activity and hot spring discharge.
There may be 4000km^3 of magma, but if the geysers and GT plants are both using the same topmost 0.001%, there can be an effect.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2013.03.022
"Repeating earthquakes in the Yellowstone volcanic field: Implications for rupture dynamics, ground deformation, and migration in earthquake swarms"
Frédérick Massin, Jamie Farrell, Robert B. Smith
Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
Volume 257, 1 May 2013, Pages 159–173
No, politicians and bureaucrats need to understand mathematics better so that they realize exactly how much heat you'd have to remove to start influencing geological events. Especially ones that measure 4000 km3...
While cheap geothermal would be nice I actually don't mind if they're hesitant to start poking the magma filled bubble that is eventually going to burst and wipe out the continent.
I stole this Sig
JOR-EL! We've told you again and again, the Kryptonian geothermal power systems are SAFE! If you don't stop this scaremongering campaign, the council will have you censured! Charges may be filed in the Hall of Justice!
The preceding comment is my own, and in no way construes an opinon of the Emperor of Mankind.