One of Earth’s most powerful supervolcanoes is refilling with fresh magma

Deep beneath Japan’s Kikai caldera, a massive magma reservoir is refilling 7,300 years after one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in Earth’s recent geological history. Scientists used underwater seismic surveys to reveal a vast store of magma that appears to have accumulated since the ancient catastrophe. The discovery could help explain how supervolcanoes like Yellowstone and Toba rebuild their magma supplies.

One of Earth’s most powerful supervolcanoes is refilling with fresh magma. Scientists at Kobe University have discovered evidence that fresh magma is accumulating beneath Japan’s Kikai caldera, which unleashed a catastrophic eruption about 7,300 years ago. The discovery offers a rare look at how giant volcanic systems rebuild their magma supplies after massive eruptions.

It could also provide important clues about the behavior of other supervolcanoes, including Yellowstone in the United States and Toba in Indonesia, potentially helping scientists improve their ability to recognize warning signs of future eruptions. How Supervolcanoes Store Enormous Amounts of Magma Some volcanic eruptions are so immense that they dramatically reshape the landscape. The amount of magma released can be staggering, enough to bury all of New York City’s Central Park beneath a layer roughly 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) thick.

And we now know exactly when. Pour one out for Arc: One of the most hyped browsers is shutting down for good.