The Yellowstone Caldera, sometimes called Yellowstone Volcano, is a volcanic caldera and supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park in the western United States. The caldera measures 43 by 28 miles (70 by 45 kilometers).
The experience, energy and compassion of seekers leave a legacy.
Min Chen, a researcher at the defunct Michigan State University, has contributed a new seismic tomography of the magma deposits under Yellowstone Volcano.
When Ross Maguire was a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University (MSU), he wanted to study the volume and distribution of molten magma beneath Yellowstone Volcano. Maguire used a technique called seismic tomography, which uses vibrations from the ground called seismic waves to create a 3D image of what’s happening beneath the earth’s surface. Using this method, Maguire was able to create an image of the magma chamber window showing where the magma was. But these are not entirely clear pictures.
Thanks to these new images, with important input from Chen, Maguire and his team were able to see that there is twice as much magma in Yellowstone’s magma system.
“I was looking for people with expertise in a specific type of seismic CT called waveform tomography,” said Maguire, now an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). “Min Chen was truly a world-class expert in this matter.”
Min Chen was an assistant professor at MSU in the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering and in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Natural Sciences. Using the power of supercomputing, Chen developed Maguire’s imaging method to more accurately model how seismic waves propagate through the Earth. Chen’s creativity and skill honed these images, revealing more information about the amount of molten magma under Yellowstone Volcano.
“We haven’t seen an increase in the amount of magma,” Maguire said. “We just saw a clearer picture of what was really there.”
Maine Chen. Credit: Michigan State University
Previous images have shown that Yellowstone Volcano has a low concentration of magma – only 10% – surrounded by a strong crystalline structure. Thanks to these new images, with important input from Chen, Maguire and his team were able to see that there is twice as much magma in the Yellowstone magma system.
“To be clear, the new discovery does not indicate the possibility of a future eruption,” Maguire said. “Any signs of change in the system will be detected by the network of geophysical instruments that constantly monitor Yellowstone.”
Unfortunately, Chen could not see the final results. Her unexpected death in 2021 continues to shock the geoscience community, which is grieving the loss of her passion and expertise.
“Computational seismology is still relatively new at MSU,” said Songqiao “Xun” Wei, a talented assistant professor of geosciences in MSU’s Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, who was a colleague of Chen’s. Once the pandemic hit, Chen made his lectures and research discussions available on Zoom for researchers and students from around the world to participate in. That’s how many seismologists around the world have discovered MSUs.
His meetings were a place where talented undergraduates, postdoctoral candidates, or just anyone interested were welcome. Chen has invited prospective graduate students and senior seismologists from around the world to join her virtual calls.
Chen cared deeply about the welfare and work of his students. She has fostered a holistic, interdisciplinary environment in which she encourages her students and postdocs to become well-informed scholars and build long-term partnerships. She has even hosted virtual workshops on life outside academia to help students advance their careers and hobbies. Chen gave an example: She was an avid soccer player and she could dance.
Scientific diversity was another area Chen was fond of. He advocated and championed research opportunities for women and underrepresented groups. To honor Chen, his classmates created memorial grant On his behalf to provide support to graduate students to increase diversity in earth and computational sciences. In another tribute to her life and love of gardening, her classmates also planted a memorial tree in the courtyard of the Engineering Building on the MSU campus.
Chen was truly a pioneer in her field and was honored with the National Science Foundation Early Career Award. recipient in 2020 to perform a detailed seismic image of North America to study the solid outer shell of the Earth.
“He had a lot of energy,” Maguire said. “I was focused on making sure people could be successful when he was incredibly successful.”
Maguire’s research, which showcases some of Chen’s legacy, is published in the journal Science.
Reference:
“Magna Accumulation Deep in Former Rhyolite Deposit Below Yellowstone Caldera” by Ross Maguire, Brandon Schmandt, Jiaki Li, Chengxin Jiang, Juliang Li, Justin Wilgus, & Min Chen, 2012 Dec. 1, Available here. Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.ade0347
“What’s Under Yellowstone?” There is more magma than previously recognized, but it may not be erupting.” By Carrie M Cooper, Dec. 1, 2012 Available here. Science.
DOI: 10.1126/science.ade8435
