Two hidden magma sources found beneath Nicaragua's Masaya volcano

· Science · Nicaragua

Scientists have found evidence of two hidden magma sources beneath Nicaragua's Masaya volcano, where satellite observations revealed mysterious ground movements suggesting magma is shifting deep underground. The active volcano sits near a population of about 2 million people. The findings could improve eruption forecasting, according to ScienceDaily.

Why it matters:Better constraints on where magma sits under a volcano near 2 million people feed directly into eruption forecasting and hazard planning for one of Central America's most active volcanoes.

Key points

  • Satellite data showed unexplained ground movement at Masaya.
  • Two separate magma sources were inferred beneath the volcano.
  • About 2 million people live nearby.

Sources (original reporting)

More stories from this day