Please predict the extent of damage caused by an eruption of the Yellowstone
volcano. My students would like to know if they would live or die. My quess is
no
Teacher and Students
Dear Teacher and Students,
I do not know of a specific report that describes the potential hazards
from future Yellowstone eruptions. Of course severity of effects will be
proportional to proximity to Yellowstone. Some eruptions are small and
the effects would be limited to the park. In contrast, the large
caldera-forming eruptions can spread ash all the way to the Mississippi
and far to the south (note wind direction will be important). Two
important safety factors come to mind. Yellowstone is a well studied
volcano. Based on its past history volcanologists will know how to
respond to future activity. Yellowstone is also a well monitored
volcano. If the volcano changes these changes will be detected and
monitoring efforts will increase in greater detail. It is good for your
students to realize that Yellowstone is a large and potentially dangerous
volcano. It is also important to realize that big volcanic systems, like
Yellowstone, do not erupt often. The chances of us seeing a major
eruption in our lifetimes is very very small.
Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota
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