Yellowstone National Park is experiencing a significant geological event: a 19-mile-wide bulge rising at a rate of roughly one inch per year. This uplift, detected through advanced seismological monitoring and satellite data, is a clear indication of activity beneath the park’s famous supervolcano. While such deformations have occurred before – notably between 2004–2020 and again in 1996 – the current event is raising eyebrows due to its size and persistence.
What’s Happening Beneath Yellowstone?
The uplift is centered on the northern rim of the Yellowstone Caldera in Wyoming. Scientists attribute this to the movement of magma approximately nine miles underground. According to Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, the bulge is likely due to both magma accumulation and withdrawal. This is not an immediate sign of an impending eruption; rather, it’s a natural process within a highly active volcanic system.
Why This Matters
Yellowstone’s supervolcano has the potential for catastrophic eruptions, though the probability of such an event is extremely low. The volcano last erupted 640,000 years ago, and while it’s overdue for another major event, scientists emphasize that the current uplift does not necessarily indicate that one is imminent.
The park’s monitoring network, consisting of 17 GPS stations and satellite imagery, allows researchers to track these movements with precision. Despite the uplift, seismic activity in 2025 was notably lower than average, with only 1,119 earthquakes recorded compared to the usual 1,500–2,500.
“We can see things that are moving up and away from this area of uplift on radar maps and satellites,” Poland stated, highlighting the scale of the deformation as “pretty stunning.”
Is Yellowstone About to Blow?
No. While the supervolcano remains a geological force, the current uplift is not a direct precursor to an apocalyptic eruption. The amount of molten rock in Yellowstone’s magma chamber is currently low, but still sufficient for ongoing activity. The bulge itself is happening at depth, which further reduces the risk of a shallow, explosive event.
The situation is being closely monitored, but as Poland notes, these events are not entirely uncommon in Yellowstone’s dynamic geological landscape. The park continues to operate as usual, and the uplift is unlikely to impact visitors.
The supervolcano is not readying for an apocalyptic reawakening; instead, it’s simply exhibiting its natural, wondrous self.
