Preventing a supervolcano. Artwork illustrating theoretical methods for preventing the eruption of a supervolcano. A supervolcano occurs when a massive quantity of magma (yellow, orange) forces its way through the Earth's crust, and erupts as a mixture of lava and ash. Possible methods for preventing such an eruption include pumping in water to cool the bedrock and magma (pipes at right, left and third from right), removing gases or magma (pipes at second and third from left) to reduce the pressure build-up, and sealing fissures with concrete (centre right). For a labelled version of this image see C046/6524.