A Supervolcano Is Stewing Underneath Wyoming And It Could Be Devastating

Yellowstone actually sits on top of not just a volcano but a supervolcano. The difference between the two is that the supervolcano is capable of an eruption of more than 240 cubic miles of magma. The United States is home to 2 supervolcanos; the one in Yellowstone and there is also one in Long Valley, California.

Yellowstone has had 3 major events that created large volcanic craters or calderas. One occurred 2.1 million years ago, one 1.3 million years ago and the other 640,000 years ago. Most of Yellowstone is cradled inside of these 3 overlapping calderas.

The eruptions occur when the magma chamber forces the molten rock from the mantle up toward the surface. The land then collapses into the empty chamber and forms a bowl shaped depression known as a caldera.

What would happen if Yellowstone's supervolcano ever erupted? There are 3 major concerns if and when this should ever happen. One, is that ash would be spewed out over a region of 500 miles. Second, molten lava that is more than 1,000º would ooze out from the eruption destroying everything in its path including human life, water supplies and crops. Lastly, gasses would be emitted that would lead to global cooling which would affect the climate around the world.

Scientists continuously monitor the volcanic activity in Yellowstone. Some of the precursors to a supervolcano include strong earthquakes and rapid ground deformation. It's interesting that in 2010, Yellowstone experienced over 3,000 earthquakes.

Scientists believe that the supervolcano will erupt but not anytime soon. While it is something to be aware of, there is no reason to panic just yet.