It's not too early to turn our attention toward spring and summer vacations, especially for a park that hosts around 4 million visitors annually.

If big crowds are not your thing, and you're trying to find reasons not to go, you probably shouldn't include the likelihood of lava as an objection. At the same time, that's no doubt comforting to many.

Yellowstone National Park officials shared results of a new study that reveals insights into the Yellowstone Volcanic System's hidden magma reserves. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey and Oregon State University examined the area beneath the system, finding that "although an eruption is unlikely anywhere in the area, changes to the northeast area of the volcanic system will be the key to understanding future eruptions."

Scientists mapped underground areas containing magma. Understanding where magma is located is essential for predicting volcanic activity and keeping the public informed about potential risks. This method of study relies on the Earth’s natural electromagnetic field. In Yellowstone, which is the largest volcanic system in the United States. Mapping magma  has brought a new level of understanding to how the system may change in the future.

Yellowstone National Park
Courtesy of Getty Images, zrfphoto
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SO, WHAT DOES THE STUDY TELL US?

Scientists mapped rhyolitic magma, a form of hot molten rock, that has caused previous explosive eruptions in Yellowstone. The study found that across this volcanic system, the percentage of rhyolitic magma is low, indicating an eruption anywhere is unlikely. An area in the northeast of Yellowstone Volcanic system though, does have the capability of producing more rhyolitic magma because of an underground heat source located there.

A professor of geophysics at Oregon State University says the findings "reinforce that volcanoes are dynamic features and the magma sources that may exist underneath them evolve over time and migrate."

But for now, relax, Yellowstone Park tourists. Science is on your side and ever-vigilant.

LOOK: The history behind all 63 national parks in the US

The National Parks System manages 63 national parks. Stacker analyzed NPS info to compile the history and features of each. 

Gallery Credit: Stacker

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