Overview

• Scientists used seismic waves to study six Cascade Range volcanoes and found large magma chambers beneath all of them, including dormant ones.
• The research suggests that magma chambers persist throughout a volcano's lifetime, rather than dissipating after eruptions as previously believed.
• This discovery shifts the understanding of volcanic activity, as large magma bodies are now considered a baseline condition rather than a sign of imminent eruptions.
• The study highlights the need for improved volcanic monitoring systems, especially for sparsely studied volcanoes, to better predict potential activity.
• Researchers developed a portable seismic imaging method that could be applied globally to enhance volcanic hazard assessments.