AllYouCanTech

“Experts Indicate Yellowstone Will Probably Not Erupt in 2025”

### Yellowstone’s Volcanic System: Assessing Risks and Anticipating Future Activity

The Yellowstone volcanic system, renowned for being one of the most extensively researched and iconic geological phenomena on our planet, has fascinated both scientists and the general populace for ages. Famous for its enormous eruptions in ancient history, particularly one that released over 2,000 cubic kilometers of rock into the atmosphere around 2 million years ago, the potential for future eruptions at Yellowstone continues to be a subject of rigorous investigation and theorization. Nonetheless, a recent study offers comforting insights: there is presently insufficient molten material near the surface to instigate a catastrophic eruption. Furthermore, the study illuminates Yellowstone’s subterranean “plumbing” and suggests a potential alteration in volcanic activity outside the existing caldera.

### Yellowstone’s Volcanic Structure

The volcanic activity in Yellowstone is fueled by a geological occurrence known as a **hotspot**, where molten material from deep within the Earth’s mantle ascends through the crust. This material mainly consists of basalt, which is known for its relatively low viscosity and ability to generate gentle lava flows, as evidenced in locations like Hawaii. However, when this basaltic material interacts with the Earth’s crust, it can melt the surrounding rock, creating rhyolite, a highly viscous substance that can lead to explosive eruptions.

The main apprehension at Yellowstone revolves around the possibility of rhyolitic eruptions, which have historically resulted in widespread destruction. However, differentiating between basaltic and rhyolitic molten material several kilometers below ground is a complex task. Past studies have utilized seismic data, which assesses how seismic waves move through the Earth’s crust. While valuable, this approach has drawbacks, as the behavior of seismic waves can be affected by various factors, including temperature, composition, and the phase (solid or liquid) of the material.

### A Novel Approach: Magnetotelluric Data

To overcome these limitations, the latest investigation applied a method known as **magnetotellurics**, which gauges the electrical conductivity of subsurface rock. Conductivity can dramatically fluctuate—by as much as three orders of magnitude—when the rock transitions from solid to molten. Additionally, the more interconnected the molten material is, the greater the overall conductivity.

By employing a dense network of sensors throughout the Yellowstone caldera and surrounding areas, researchers developed a high-resolution, three-dimensional visualization of the molten material lying underneath Yellowstone. This visualization unveiled two significant sources of molten material that extend from the mantle-crust interface, roughly 50 kilometers below the surface. These sources converge around 20 kilometers beneath the surface, forming a reservoir of molten basaltic material.

### Principal Discoveries: Diffuse Molten Material

The study determined that while the total volume of molten basaltic material is considerable—ranging from 4,000 to 6,500 cubic kilometers—it is too dispersed to initiate an eruption. Instead, the molten material exists in small pockets and fissures within solid rock, inhibiting the development of a large, eruptible magma chamber.

Nearer to the surface, researchers identified a smaller reservoir of rhyolitic material, with a maximum volume of about 500 cubic kilometers. Although this could theoretically support a significant eruption, it remains relatively minor compared to Yellowstone’s historical benchmarks. More crucially, the rhyolitic material is also too spread out to represent an immediate danger.

### Evolving Activity: Beyond the Existing Caldera

The study also brought to light intriguing changes in Yellowstone’s volcanic activity. Historically, the movement of the North American tectonic plate over this stationary hotspot has caused eruption sites to migrate from west to east, creating a trail of volcanic features throughout western North America.

At present, there are several distinct reservoirs of molten material situated near the surface:

1. **Western Pool**: A small, isolated reservoir of molten material located west of the caldera. This pool, with less than 100 cubic kilometers of material, is no longer linked to the primary heat source and is likely undergoing cooling.

2. **Southern Pool**: A similarly small reservoir south of the caldera, containing under 50 cubic kilometers of material. This pool is situated near a larger source of molten basalt and could receive heat input in the future.

3. **Eastern Pool**: The largest near-surface reservoir, positioned northeast of the caldera. This pool harbors up to 500 cubic kilometers of rhyolitic material and is one of the only two areas directly connected to deeper molten material. Although it is not currently eruptible, this location is viewed as the most plausible site for forthcoming volcanic activity.

4. **Hydrothermal Systems**: Two additional near-surface zones of molten material energize Yellowstone’s well-known hydrothermal features, such as the Norris Geyser Basin and Hot Springs Basin. While these areas are not concentrated enough to incite eruptions, they significantly contribute to the park’s geothermal activity.

### Consequences for Future Eruptions

The findings from this study offer a clearer understanding of Yellowstone’s volcanic system and its ongoing activity. While the presence of molten material beneath the caldera is noteworthy, it is too dispersed to instigate a significant eruption.

“Do Kwon, Designer of the $40 Billion Luna/Terra Cryptocurrency Crash, Extradited to the U.S.”

### Do Kwon Enters Not Guilty Plea in Fraud Case: An Examination of the Controversy That Impacted the Crypto Landscape

The legal turmoil surrounding Do Hyeong Kwon, the 33-year-old South Korean entrepreneur responsible for TerraUSD and Luna cryptocurrencies, has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency community. Previously regarded as a pioneer in the blockchain arena, Kwon is now facing accusations of masterminding one of the most significant financial meltdowns in cryptocurrency history, with a staggering $40 billion lost for investors. On January 3, 2025, Kwon made his way into a New York City federal courtroom, where he entered a plea of “not guilty” to fraud charges. Here, we delve deeper into the case, its ramifications, and the specific allegations leveled against Kwon.

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### **The Ascent and Decline of TerraUSD and Luna**

Do Kwon co-established Terraform Labs, the firm responsible for TerraUSD (UST), labeled as an “algorithmic stablecoin,” alongside its counterpart Luna. Designed to hold a stable value, stablecoins are typically tied to a fiat currency such as the US dollar. The standout feature of TerraUSD was its dependence on an algorithmic framework instead of conventional reserves to uphold its $1 value. Luna was integral to this framework, as the duo of cryptocurrencies was created to function in concert to secure UST’s price stability.

For a period, this system seemed to succeed, drawing billions of dollars in investments towards Kwon’s ventures. Yet, in May 2022, the TerraUSD ecosystem crumbled when the algorithm faltered, failing to preserve the stablecoin’s dollar peg. The subsequent collapse erased $40 billion in market capitalization, causing significant losses for both retail and institutional investors.

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### **The Worldwide Search for Do Kwon**

In the wake of the collapse, Kwon found himself on the run. Authorities in South Korea issued an arrest warrant, and Interpol submitted a “red notice” for his capture. Despite Kwon’s public statements asserting that he was not “on the run,” his whereabouts remained unknown for many months. The situation intensified in March 2023 when Kwon was apprehended in Montenegro while attempting to travel with forged documents. Montenegro, which lacks an extradition treaty with the United States, became the focal point of competing extradition bids from South Korea and the US.

After a protracted series of legal disputes, Kwon was extradited to the United States on December 31, 2024. His arrival was a considerable triumph for US officials, who had been seeking him on charges related to fraud and market manipulation.

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### **The Charges Against Kwon**

The US Department of Justice has released an extensive indictment against Kwon, alleging that he deceived investors through a series of fraudulent representations and manipulative actions. The accusations encompass commodities fraud, securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering. The indictment categorizes Kwon’s purported misconduct into five primary areas:

1. **Misrepresentations Regarding the Stablecoin**
Kwon is accused of misleading investors about the Terra Protocol’s ability to uphold TerraUSD’s $1 peg via an algorithm. Following the protocol’s failure in May 2021, Kwon allegedly entered into a collusion with a high-frequency trading firm to artificially sustain the peg by purchasing substantial amounts of UST.

2. **Misrepresentations Concerning the Luna Foundation Guard (LFG)**
Kwon asserted that the Luna Foundation Guard, responsible for managing financial reserves to protect UST’s peg, operated independently. However, prosecutors contend that Kwon had clandestine control over the LFG and misappropriated hundreds of millions of dollars in assets.

3. **Misrepresentations About the Mirror Protocol**
Mirror Protocol, a funding platform on Terraform’s blockchain, was promoted as being decentralized. Kwon purportedly manipulated the platform using bots to dictate the prices of synthetic assets while secretly maintaining governance over its functionality.

4. **Misrepresentations Related to Chai**
Kwon claimed that the Terra blockchain was utilized for practical applications, such as facilitating transactions for the Korean payment app Chai. In contrast, prosecutors assert that Chai operated on conventional financial networks, not the Terra blockchain.

5. **Misrepresentations Concerning Genesis Coins**
Kwon is charged with the improper use of $145 million worth of “Genesis Stablecoins,” originally intended for reserve holding. Allegedly, these funds were misused to fabricate false Chai blockchain transactions and manipulate asset valuations on the Mirror Protocol.

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### **The Upcoming Legal Contest**

Kwon’s “not guilty” plea paves the way for a highly publicized trial that is likely to garner considerable interest from both the cryptocurrency sector and the wider financial industry. Should he be found guilty, Kwon faces the possibility of lengthy prison sentencing, given the serious nature of the charges against him.

US Attorney General Merrick Garland highlighted the significance of international collaboration in achieving justice for Kwon. “This extradition from Montenegro exemplifies the Justice Department’s global partnerships,

Volkswagen Unveils “Strongly Competitive” Leasing Offers for ID.4 as Sales Restart

### Volkswagen ID.4 Recall: Door Handle Solutions and Production Restart

Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric crossover has been in the spotlight, albeit not always for the reasons the manufacturer would have preferred. Last September, a major concern regarding the vehicle’s door handles resulted in a recall of nearly 100,000 units, a pause in production, and a stop to sales. Now, Volkswagen is implementing measures to rectify the issue and restore the ID.4 to its course.

#### The Issue: Defective Door Handles

The ID.4, similar to numerous contemporary electric vehicles (EVs), was crafted with flush door handles to enhance aerodynamics and decrease drag. This design choice aligns with a wider trend in EV production, aiming to optimize efficiency and prolong range. Nevertheless, instead of adopting conventional mechanical handles, Volkswagen selected an electromechanical option.

Regrettably, the door handle assemblies were inadequately sealed against water ingress. Over time, water penetrated the electronics, leading to corrosion. This resulted in a grave safety concern: doors that could sporadically open while the vehicle was in motion. By September 2023, Volkswagen had documented nearly 300 warranty claims associated with this issue, prompting the firm to act.

#### Volkswagen’s Action

In light of the problem, Volkswagen executed a recall for almost 100,000 ID.4 vehicles, halted manufacturing at its Chattanooga, Tennessee facility, and put a hold on sales of the model. These were significant actions, reflecting the company’s dedication to safety and quality.

Now, Volkswagen has revealed that it has created new, enhanced door handle assemblies that rectify the waterproofing problem. These upgraded components will enable dealers to repair existing vehicles, allowing the recall process to proceed. Furthermore, the stop-sale directive will be rescinded, and production of the ID.4 is scheduled to restart in the upcoming weeks.

#### Implications for ID.4 Owners and Buyers

For current ID.4 owners, the introduction of the new door handle components signifies that their vehicles can finally be serviced. Volkswagen dealerships are now prepared to complete the recall process, ensuring that affected vehicles are safe for driving.

For potential buyers, the resumption of production and sales is encouraging news. Volkswagen has indicated that any ID.4s in inventory will be repaired prior to selling. To further attract buyers, the manufacturer intends to provide “highly competitive lease offers” for the model. This strategy is likely aimed at rebuilding consumer trust and enhancing sales of the ID.4, which had been gaining popularity as a favored electric crossover before the recall.

#### Future Outlook

The ID.4 recall serves as a noteworthy reminder of the obstacles automakers encounter while transitioning to electric vehicles and integrating new technologies. While cutting-edge features like flush, electromechanical door handles can boost a vehicle’s allure and effectiveness, they also bring new challenges that must be meticulously addressed.

Volkswagen’s prompt response to the door handle dilemma illustrates its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. With production resuming and the ID.4 reentering the market, the automaker is optimistic about closing this chapter and concentrating on the future of its electric vehicle range.

For consumers, the recall emphasizes the significance of staying updated on potential concerns with their vehicles and utilizing recall fixes as they become available. With its stylish design, competitive pricing, and now-enhanced safety features, the ID.4 is ready to reclaim its standing as a leading player in the expanding EV sector.