Yellowstone’s Supervolcano hasn’t blown in 70,000 years, but scientists are keeping a close eye on it after being hit by over 460 earthquakes since June 12th.
On June 15th, the park was hit by a magnitude 4.5 earthquake, the largest in three years. “[The 4.5] earthquake is part of an energetic sequence of earthquakes in the same area that began on June 12,” a statement released by the University of Utah that monitors the park said. “This sequence has included approximately thirty earthquakes of magnitude 2 and larger and four earthquakes of magnitude 3 and larger, including today’s magnitude 4.5 event.”
This is the highest number of quakes in a single week in five years. That has scientists actively watching the super volcano, which would have a devastating impact if it erupts. Ash would cover most of the continental United States, as the picture below details.
The video below has some specifics on what would happen if the Yellowstone Supervolcano erupted. A tremendous amount of people would leave their lives in the immediate vicinity and the amount of ash throughout the country could complicate things elsewhere.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says eruption risk is still low despite the alarming number of earthquakes. The volcano alert remains normal as it is believed the number of earthquakes are winding down.
Those of us who remember the 1980 Mount St. Helen’s eruption will likely always be particularly cautious about volcanoes. You can never ignore warning signs!
Share this if you are glad they are monitoring the situation!
Source: Newsweek