Scientists warn that the Long Valley Caldera, a massive supervolcano in California, has become restless. The last time that it erupted was about 760,000 years ago. Studying the volcano using infrared technology has revealed that it is forming a dome near Mammoth Lakes, California.
Scientists are not too worried yet, but it could destroy California and nearby areas if it erupts. Scientists believe it could cover the Los Angeles basin in ash over a half-mile thick if it erupts.
They are not worried yet because the supervolcano's liquid remains unorganized. While the structure lacks a large chamber for the liquid to collect, scientists point out that lava pockets are nearby.
Zhongwen Zhan, who has spent a lot of time studying the supervolcano at the California Institute of Technology, does not think it will erupt anytime soon.
Instead, he says it will likely cause numerous small earthquakes as it tries to reorganize itself. He says that small eruptions may also occur.