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Yellowstone Volcanic Caldera: Current Activity and Future Potential
Active Monitoring and Background Level Activity
As of July 23, 2023, the Yellowstone Caldera is exhibiting background levels of activity. In June, 72 earthquakes were detected in the region, which is consistent with typical seismic activity. The University of Utah Seismograph Stations, responsible for monitoring the caldera, has reported no significant changes in seismic or volcanic activity.
Recent Observations and Geothermal Activity
In November 2023, observers at Geyser Hill in Yellowstone National Park's Upper Geyser Basin observed changes in geothermal activity. These observations included variations in geyser eruption patterns and the emergence of new hot springs. While these changes are not indicative of immediate volcanic hazards, they highlight the ongoing dynamic nature of the caldera system.
The last major eruption at Yellowstone occurred approximately 631,000 years ago. Scientists believe that the caldera is capable of producing large-scale volcanic eruptions, known as super-eruptions. However, the likelihood of such an event occurring in the near future is extremely low.
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