why have there been lots of small quakes at yellowstone lately?
Jan 25, 2010
in
Earthquake Questions
i get sent an email whenever theres a quake via usgs.gov earthquake alert, ive been subscribed for a couple weeks or so. and recently there have been these small earthquakes all at yellowstone? a lot fo them whats going on?
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2 comments
Empire Builder on January 25, 2010 at 4:37 am
There is no reason to be alarmed. These swarms are merely just a normal event in Yellowstone. Yellowstone is a giant volcano, & sits ontop of a magma chamber. Being so, it frequently experiences small swarms from underground magma movements, as well as swarms originating from the movement of hydrothermal water underground in the plumbing of the geysers & hot springs.
If you’re interested in how Yellowstone works, I highly recommend buying the book "Windows into the Earth: The Geologic Story of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks"
oldtimer on January 25, 2010 at 4:37 am
Yellow stone is setting on a very hot spot with direct connections to the molten rock below the mantle. There is a very good chance that yellowstone will someday be the source point for a strong volcano that could blanket the continent in a dust cloud for years.