On our planet, there are approximately 1900 active volcanoes. However, not all of them pose a significant threat. Most of these volcanoes have been peacefully “sleeping” for thousands of years and show no signs of waking up. But there is a small number of so-called Super-volcanoes on our planet that can wipe entire continents off the face of the earth and destroy billions of living organisms. One such super-volcano is Yellowstone, which is among the top five most dangerous volcanoes in the world!
Interesting facts and information about Yellowstone Volcano
The super-volcano is located in North America (in the state of Wyoming) in Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, covering an area of ​​8991 square kilometers. The park’s territory consists of mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, geysers, canyons, waterfalls, and one-third of the entire park is occupied by the volcano.
Many species of animals and birds inhabit this unique picturesque place: bison, wolves, bears, chipmunks, moose. Thousands of tourists visit this place annually. During the peak activity of geysers, access for tourists is restricted.
The Yellowstone volcano – in English Yellow Stone – represents a huge depression in the ground called a caldera, which formed as a result of the last eruption. The caldera is gradually filling up with molten magma coming from the depths of the earth, from a depth of 8 kilometers, to be later ejected.
The dimensions of the caldera – 55 km by 72 km – are twice as large as Moscow or New York. The height of the volcano is 2805 meters, the diameter is 50 kilometers, and the area is 352 square kilometers. The volcano is located above the so-called “hot spot,” a huge mass of molten mantle rock gradually moving northeast.
The last three eruptions of the volcano occurred every 600-800 thousand years (2 million years ago, 1.2 million years ago, and 600 thousand years ago). Since the last eruption, 640 thousand years have already passed, so US authorities, geologists, and volcanologists around the world are very concerned that the volcano may wake up again soon.
Signs of an impending eruption
Over the past few years, new geysers have appeared in the volcanic zone, the eruptions of existing ones have become more frequent, and scientists cannot explain why this is happening.
The soil level has risen by several centimeters, cracks have appeared, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the crater has increased. Since 2017, more than 2500 small earthquakes have been recorded. The amount of magma in the caldera has grown to almost 17 million cubic meters (which exceeds the volume of the Black Sea by 30 times).
Such signs indicate the movement of magma and gases inside the volcano towards the surface of the earth. Of course, this is a lengthy process and may take several decades. However, scientists have not fully studied this issue, and it is impossible to say exactly when the X-day will come.
In addition to all the above, moose and bison have gradually started leaving the reserve. Does this mean that animals, sensing trouble, are saving themselves? Also, the number of guards and various specialists in the park has increased.
What will happen to the world if Yellowstone volcano erupts?
Experts in the field of catastrophes, among all possible disasters such as tsunamis, asteroids, earthquakes, landslides, floods, place eruption of a volcano as the top one in terms of destruction. The consequences, in the event of an explosion of such a powerful and huge volcano as Yellowstone, will be irreversible for the entire planet.
Scientists and specialists give the most terrifying and incredible forecasts. And people compare the descriptions of these consequences with numerous predictions of the End of the World. Here is what awaits us:
– About 1000 cubic meters of ash will enter the atmosphere.
– Within a radius of 500-1600 km, ash will cover the earth with a thick layer.
– Approximately 90,000 people will die immediately.
– Every third inhabitant will die in the first months.
– The territory of the USA will be completely destroyed by lava flows, or at least by 2/3.
– The eruption will trigger numerous tsunamis, earthquakes, and also lead to the activity of other dormant volcanoes around the world.
– The air temperature will drop universally by 20 °C.
– A “nuclear winter” will set in, with smoke, ash, and steam blocking the sun for several years.
– Due to the lack of sunlight and warmth, the process of growing crops will sharply decrease, there will not be enough food for all the inhabitants of the planet, and 3 to 5 billion people will die of starvation.
– Most species of animal and plant life will disappear due to climate change.
– There will be a shortage of oxygen.
– Acid rains will pour.
– Due to the formation of an ozone hole, the level of radiation will increase significantly.
So when will Yellowstone volcano erupt? The estimated eruption date is set for 2075. However, some scientists warn that the disaster could happen in the next ten years.
Can the eruption be prevented?
Avoiding the eruption is not possible, but NASA specialists are developing special programs that can delay this event. One project proposes to drill several wells up to 10 km deep near the volcano and constantly fill them with water, cooling the magma and preventing its eruption. In turn, the heated water can be used as a source of electricity. The project budget is about $3.5 billion.
Other specialists believe that even minor intervention will only exacerbate the situation. In any case, the reports and documents of researchers are classified and not subject to publication. Americans say that official data is significantly understated, starting from the number of shocks to the number of points that determine the seismic danger level.
At the moment, it is known that constant work is being carried out in the volcano zone, rock samples are being taken for chemical analysis, and various sensors and gauges are being installed for monitoring.
One thing is certain – the volcano can wake up at any moment without any external influences. All that remains is to wait and hope that the catastrophe will not happen soon, and the American government, together with representatives of the scientific community, will find a way to avoid serious destructive consequences.