Seismic security

Underwater 'fountain' of magma is found beneath Yellowstone supervolcano sparking fears a deadly eruption is on the way

An underwater 'fountain' of magma has been found beneath Yellowstone supervolcano, heightening fears that a major eruption is on the way.

Researchers found a column of hot volcanic ash known as a magma 'plume' beneath the volcano, and they believe it stretches all the way from Mexico.

Experts suggest the plume could be the source of the heat that drives so much of the volcano's surface activity, such as its world-famous bubbling springs.

The news follows a spate of four mini-tremors in the area last week that raised fears Yellowstone's supervolcano is about to blow.

A magma plume is an unusual geological feature that lies at the boundary between the Earth's core and the mantle, and rises through the mantle into the crust.

Though still just a theory, this abnormality would exist as a vertical stream of magma.

Whether or not a mantle plume might lie beneath Yellowstone National Park has been hotly debated for decades.

But using new imaging techniques, two researchers at the University of Texas suggest they have finally found proof of the elusive column.

They analysed seismic activity around Yellowstone using data obtained by the USArray network, which has listening stations positioned across North America.