Friday, August 28, 2009

Why is Yellowstone National Park 'On the Rise'?

On August 24, staff from the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) met with colleagues from the University of Luxembourg and the University of Colorado to take measurements of absolute gravity at four locations close to permanent GPS receivers in Yellowstone National Park. The purpose is to better understand the source of the large volcanic uplift rates that have been observed at Yellowstone since 2004. The researchers will take measurements twice a year through September 2011. Yellowstone is the site of the largest and most diverse collection of natural thermal features in the world, and was the first National Park. The results of the project will be useful in interpreting the cause of the current uplift and its implications for the near-term future of the Yellowstone caldera volcano. For more information, contact David Schmerge.