Constraining the Architecture and Melt Fraction of Yellowstone's Magmatic System with Short Period Full Waveform Tomography

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $310,635 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project investigates the subsurface structure beneath the Yellowstone volcanic province in northwestern Wyoming. Much of Yellowstone National Park, which attracts more than 4 million visitors annually, lies within a volcanic caldera formed by a large explosive eruption 630,000 years ago. Present-day geologic activity at Yellowstone indicates the presence of a magma body beneath the caldera. Uncertainties persist, however, regarding the volume and distribution of magma, and how current conditions compare to those preceding past eruptions. Seismic imaging has revealed the existence of a magma reservoir in the mid-to-upper crust, but limitations in spatial resolution have hindered its accurate mapping. Recent advances in computational imaging techniques, such as full waveform inversion, combined with unprecedented seismic data coverage provided by a deployment of over 650 nodal seismic instruments, now offer new opportunities to image Yellowstone’s magmatic system at previously unattainable scales. This study will create a new three-dimensional image of subsurface wave speeds in Yellowstone’s magma reservoir using full waveform inversion, with the goal of uncovering new insights into crustal magma storage and enhancing our understanding of volcanic hazards. This project will support a graduate student and provide opportunities for an undergraduate student. New computational code will be released for community use, enabling similar approaches on other volcanic systems. T

Key facts

NSF award ID
2445661
Awardee
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (IL)
SAM.gov UEI
Y8CWNJRCNN91
PI
Ross R Maguire
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Estimated total
$310,635
Funds obligated
$310,635
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/15/2025 → 05/31/2028