Tag

Long Valley Caldera

All articles tagged with #long valley caldera

science2 years ago

"Potential Catastrophe: Two Dormant Supervolcanoes Stirring, Scientists Warn"

Two "supervolcanoes," Campi Flegrei in Italy and Long Valley Caldera in California, are showing signs of awakening with increased seismic activity. While scientists have been monitoring these calderas for decades, they believe that neither volcano is currently in danger of erupting. Calderas are challenging to predict due to their large size and complex magmatic systems. Although the Long Valley Caldera has experienced seismic activity, indications of cooling magma make a significant eruption less likely. While an eruption cannot be ruled out entirely, the solid rock structure covering the magma chamber may prevent large eruptions from occurring.

science2 years ago

"Unprecedented Volcanic Activity: Dormant Supervolcano Awakens After Millennia"

Researchers from Caltech have created detailed underground images of the Long Valley Caldera, a region in California sitting atop a dormant supervolcano. The images reveal that recent seismic activity is a result of cooling and settling, rather than preparation for another supervolcanic eruption. The magma chamber is covered by a hardened lid of crystallized rock. The researchers used fiber optic cables and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) to measure seismic events and develop the images. This study provides valuable insights into crustal dynamics and the subsurface environment of other regions.

science2 years ago

"Scientists Focused on Two Distant Supervolcanoes"

Two supervolcanoes, Campi Flegrei in Italy and Long Valley Caldera in California, have been experiencing seismic unrest, raising concerns about potential eruptions. While experts believe there is no immediate threat, the seismic activity indicates changes in the volcanoes' crust structures. Campi Flegrei has shown a slower and longer uplift compared to previous periods of unrest, suggesting a weakening crust. However, the presence of a solid rock structure covering the magma chamber at Long Valley Caldera makes major eruptions unlikely. Scientists are using innovative methods, such as acoustic sensing with fiber-optic cables, to better understand these complex volcanic systems and improve eruption forecasts.

science2 years ago

"Scientists Focused on Two Distant Supervolcanoes"

Two long-dormant supervolcanoes, Campi Flegrei in Italy and Long Valley Caldera in California, have been experiencing seismic unrest, raising concerns about potential eruptions. While experts say there is no immediate threat, the seismic activity indicates changes in the volcanoes' crusts. Campi Flegrei's uplift has been slower and longer-lasting compared to previous periods of unrest, suggesting a weakening crust. However, even if a rupture occurs, it does not guarantee a volcanic eruption. Similarly, the Long Valley Caldera has seen increased earthquake activity but has shown signs of cooling magma, reducing the likelihood of a major eruption. Scientists are using innovative methods to study these complex volcanic systems and improve eruption forecasting.

science2 years ago

"Awakening Giants: Dormant Supervolcanoes Stir with Seismic Activity"

Two long-dormant supervolcanoes, Campi Flegrei in Italy and Long Valley Caldera in California, are showing signs of seismic unrest, with thousands of minor earthquakes recorded in recent months. While experts say there is no immediate threat of an eruption, the seismic activity has raised concerns in the surrounding communities. Scientists have been studying these calderas, which are more challenging to forecast compared to traditional volcanoes, to better understand their behavior and potential for eruptions. The research includes analyzing ground uplift, changes in the volcano's crust, and using novel methods like acoustic sensing with fiber-optic cables. While eruption forecasts remain difficult, these studies aim to improve understanding and monitoring of volcanic activity.

science2 years ago

"Restless Giant: Is California's Riskiest Volcano on the Verge of Eruption?"

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (CIT) have conducted a study on the Long Valley Caldera in eastern California, revealing that the giant supervolcano is in a state of restlessness as its deep magma chamber cools down. The study, based on data collected from a 100-kilometer stretch of fiber optic cable, suggests that the fussy activity observed in the region is due to the cooling process, rather than an impending eruption. The findings show a separation between the large magma chamber and the shallow hydrothermal system, with gasses and liquids bubbling up towards the surface, potentially causing earthquakes and ground inflation. The research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of Earth's interior and could help in understanding volcanic activity.

natural-disasters2 years ago

"California's Active Volcano: Is an Eruption Imminent?"

The Long Valley Caldera in California, classified as one of the state's riskiest volcanoes, has been experiencing geological changes and seismic activity, raising concerns about a possible eruption. However, researchers from Caltech have concluded that while the increased seismic activity and ground deformation are notable, they are likely caused by the cooling and solidifying magma releasing gas and liquid, rather than indicating an imminent supervolcanic eruption. Other pockets of magma in the area still pose a threat, and the potential consequences of volcanic eruptions in California include disruptions to electricity supply, transportation, and water contamination.

natural-disasters2 years ago

"California's Risky Supervolcano: Increasing Quakes Spark Eruption Concerns"

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have identified over 2,000 earthquakes in California's Long Valley Caldera, a dormant supervolcano that has the potential to bury Los Angeles in ash. The recent seismic activity is believed to be caused by the release of fluids and gases as the area cools down. While researchers do not believe another supervolcanic eruption is imminent, the cooling process could lead to small eruptions and earthquakes. The volcano's magma chamber is covered by a hardened lid of crystallized rock, and although the caldera holds 240 cubic miles of magma, the risk of eruption remains uncertain.

natural-disasters2 years ago

"California's Active Volcano: Is an Eruption Imminent?"

The Long Valley Caldera in California, classified as one of the state's riskiest volcanoes, has been experiencing geological changes and seismic activity, raising concerns about a possible eruption. However, researchers from Caltech have concluded that while the increased seismic activity and ground deformation are significant, they are likely caused by the cooling and solidifying magma releasing gas and liquid, rather than a precursor to a supervolcanic eruption. Although the risk of a major eruption is low, the area still poses a threat and remains capable of powerful earthquake swarms. Other volcanoes in California, such as Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcanic Center, also have cooling magma and show signs of decreased activity.

natural-disasters2 years ago

California's Risky Volcano: Is an Eruption Imminent?

The Long Valley Caldera in California, classified as one of the state's riskiest volcanoes, has been experiencing increased seismic activity and ground fluctuations. However, researchers from Caltech have concluded that the recent phenomena are likely caused by the cooling and solidifying of magma, rather than indicating an imminent eruption. While the risk of a supervolcanic eruption is considered extremely low, the area still poses a significant threat and remains capable of powerful earthquake swarms. Other volcanoes in California, such as Mt. Shasta and Lassen Volcanic Center, are also showing signs of cooling and contracting magma.

science-and-technology2 years ago

California's Dormant Supervolcano: Cooling Down but Quake Threat Remains

Researchers at Caltech have used advanced imaging techniques to study the Long Valley Caldera, a dormant supervolcano in California. The high-resolution images reveal that the volcano's magma chamber is covered by a solidified lid of crystallized rock due to the cooling and solidification of liquid magma. While the region is not expected to experience another supervolcanic eruption, the cooling process may still cause earthquakes and small eruptions. The research, which utilized fiber optic cables and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), marks the first time such deep, high-resolution images have been produced. The team plans to further explore the caldera's magma chamber by using a longer cable to reach depths of 15 to 20 kilometers.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"Caltech Uncovers Chilling Truth about California's Supervolcano"

Researchers at Caltech have used advanced imaging techniques to investigate increased seismic activity in California's Long Valley Caldera, a dormant supervolcano. The high-resolution images reveal that the recent seismic activity is a result of fluids and gases being released as the area cools off and settles down, rather than a sign of an impending major eruption. The findings provide valuable insights into the underground environment of the caldera and demonstrate the potential of fiber optic cables for seismic measurements. The team plans to further explore the caldera's magma chamber using deeper imaging techniques.

science-and-technology2 years ago

"California's Cooling Supervolcano: Quake Threat Remains"

Researchers at Caltech have used distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) to create high-resolution underground images of California's Long Valley Caldera, a region characterized by swarms of earthquakes and ground inflation. The images reveal that the recent seismic activity is a result of the area cooling off and settling down, releasing fluids and gases. While the region is not believed to be gearing up for another supervolcanic eruption, the cooling process may still cause earthquakes and small eruptions. The study provides valuable insights into crustal dynamics and demonstrates the potential of DAS technology for understanding subsurface environments.

science2 years ago

"USGS Scientists Investigate Long Valley Volcano"

USGS geoscientists visited the Long Valley Caldera in California to examine volcanic deposits and study the region's complex eruption history. The excursion included visits to geothermal features, power plants, and monitoring stations. The gathering facilitated knowledge exchange and discussions among experts, aiming to challenge and revise scientific assumptions. Ongoing work in the area involves installing and maintaining sensors, monitoring earthquake swarms, and conducting various geologic studies.