Scientists from Kobe University found that the massive Kikai caldera in Japan is slowly recharging with new magma. The team used seismic surveys and chemical tests to spot a fresh reservoir forming deep underground. These insights show how supervolcanoes reload and help experts monitor other dangerous sites around the world.
Scientists from Kobe University have found that the massive Kikai caldera in Japan is slowly recharging with new magma, thousands of years after its last big eruption.
This gives us a rare look at how supervolcanoes reload and why keeping an eye on them matters for predicting future eruptions.
The team used seismic surveys and chemical tests to spot a fresh magma reservoir forming deep under Kikai.
They noticed that recent volcanic material looks different from ancient eruptions, suggesting that new magma is moving in.
These insights could help scientists better monitor other supervolcanoes around the world, like Yellowstone and Toba.