Two active magma reservoirs may lie beneath Masaya volcano, near 2 million people

AI Summary

Researchers found evidence of two magma sources beneath Nicaragua’s active Masaya volcano, located about 13 miles from a population of roughly two million. The findings underscore the need to understand volcanic processes and potential hazards near communities and a popular tourist destination.

Masaya volcano in Nicaragua sits within 13 miles (21 kilometers) of 2 million people and is a popular tourist destination due to its lava lake. Penn State researchers recently found evidence of two new magma sources under the active volcano, highlighting what they called the critical importance of understanding transitions in volcanic behavior and shallow magma processes, especially when they potentially pose hazards to local communities.