What Happens If Yellowstone Erupts: Will the World End, or Just Your Picnic?
Immediately, when one thinks about Yellowstone, a “supervolcano” eruption comes to mind-a doomsday scenario where the earth is blanketed in ash, and we all end up looking like burnt toast. But the good news is that, per the scientists at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO), such a nightmare is more Hollywood fantasy than scientific reality.
Supervolcano or Minor Eruption? Your Choice!
From a major Yellowstone eruption occurring in our lifetime, the odds stand about equal to dinosaurs coming back, according to Mark Stelten, the YVO deputy scientist-in-charge. The big eruption last occurred 640,000 years ago, and if it ever happens again, we probably won’t be around to worry about it!
But what if Yellowstone does erupt?
Smaller eruptions—far more likely than a supervolcano—would involve slow-moving lava flows or volcanic domes, Stelten explains. Think of it more as a light show of fire than the apocalypse.
“Lava moves so slowly that it wouldn’t really endanger anybody—you could just step out of the way,” Stelten says. Of course, wildfires and damaged park infrastructure are possible, but effects outside the boundaries of Yellowstone would likely be minimal.
Even Small Eruptions Can Be Scary!
Smaller eruptions can still be intense. For instance, they can generate ash clouds that could impact the localized weather for brief periods. No, they won’t reach New York and turn your fries into charcoal.
Stelten mentions how these kinds of smaller-scale eruptions have previously occurred at Yellowstone. One such case is the West Thumb area of Yellowstone Lake, which had formed from the eruption 160,000 years ago.
Warning Signs: Earthquakes and ‘Ground Uplift’
If Yellowstone ever decides to erupt, you’ll definitely know in advance. Scientists say any eruption—big or small—would be preceded by significant geological activity, like intense earthquakes and rapid ground uplift.
“For Yellowstone to erupt, you’d need earthquakes above magnitude 4 or 5 and ground rising by tens of inches per year,” YVO reports. So if one day the ground beneath you suddenly starts inflating like a balloon, then maybe that would be the time to start packing.
Should You Be Afraid?
Short answer: No! It has been dormant for 70,000 years, and it probably will be for a long while. Even if it did erupt, which is extremely unlikely, it is far more likely to be a minor, manageable event rather than some sort of doomsday disaster.
So instead of being afraid of an eruption in Yellowstone, why not enjoy its natural beauty and boast to your friends about having taken a photo beside a potential “doomsday” volcano? As Stelten says: “Yellowstone is more of a natural museum than a ticking time bomb!”
Conclusion: Earthquakes? Maybe. Apocalypse? Not Likely.
While the idea of Yellowstone erupting might sound thrilling, the reality is that a global catastrophe is highly unlikely. For now, you’re better off worrying about everyday concerns—like remembering sunscreen on your next Yellowstone trip!
Source: Newsweek
