[6] The Yellowstone Plateau Volcanic Field began forming around 2 Ma (million years ago).

They used methods of geological mapping, with both satellites and field work, and potassium-argon dating, to discover the eruptions.

[8] The Yellowstone Caldera has two resurgent domes formed by magma upwelling called Sour Creek and Mallard Lakes.

[8] The magma chambers under the Yellowstone Caldera provides heat and energy for large hydrothermal systems.

[8][9] The Yellowstone Caldera has the greatest concentration of hydrothermal features in the world, and is an active system.