Yellowstone Lake
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Lisa Morgan, the geologist leading a US Geological Survey
team studying a bulge beneath Yellowstone Lake says, "it
could be the precursor to a hydrothermal explosion."
Hydrothermal explosions take place when water is
superheated by lava and they can be extremely violent.
Geothermal activity and earth movements have been
increasing in Yellowstone in recent months. In August, a
magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck the area, and in July parts
of a trail that passes the Norris Geyser Basin were shut
because ground temperatures reached 200 degrees.
Although there has been a great deal of internet talk about
an impending catastrophe, so far no signs of immediate
danger have emerged. Yellowstone park is one of the most
intensely monitored volcanic areas on earth. Ground
temperatures in the park are monitored via a network of
sensors. However, geologists have never observed a large
hydrothermal explosion, and the effects of such an event are
unknown.
640,000 years ago, the Yellowstone basin was born out of
the explosion of a supervolcano that deposited ash as far
away as Texas. There have been claims made that another
such explosion is about to happen, but USGS scientists claim
that there is no evidence for this whatsoever. But a
geothermal explosion that would affect Yellowstone Park and
the surrounding area appears to be a possibility.
If you live in the vicinity of Yellowstone, you may need some
spirits to protect you.
For the Yellowstone Volcanic Observatory's opinions regarding
the current state of Yellowstone volcanic activity,
click here.
For more information, click here.
