Researchers at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggest that a volcanic super eruption at the Yellowstone National Park is possible in the next few centuries but it will not be apocalyptic.
The Yellowstone National Park is located in Montana and Wyoming, which is on top of a vast reserve of molten rock believed to be dormant for over 70,000 years. Rumors have been floating that a super eruption can occur soon, but researchers at the USGS reveal that an eruption is possible but not for at least a few more centuries.
Scientists estimate that a super eruption may create an umbrella ash cloud, which can impact near as well as far away cities in the U.S. Using a so-called program Ash 3D, USGS researchers were able to estimate that cities within 300 miles from Yellowstone National Park may get covered by up to three feet of ash. Cities beyond 300 miles from the National Park may experience a few inches of ash while cities as far as New York may be covered in just less than an inch of ash.
The researchers explain that ash deposits will be heavier in the center and with diminishing effects in other directions. The scientists also reveal that the prevalent wind at the time of eruption may also affect ash deposition in places.
"In essence, the eruption makes its own winds that can overcome the prevailing westerlies, which normally dominate weather patterns in the United States," says Larry Mastin, lead author of the study and a geologist at the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory in Vancouver, Washington. "This helps explain the distribution from large Yellowstone eruptions of the past, where considerable amounts of ash reached the west coast."
The study reveals that previous super eruption led ash to be sent out to many regions and scientists have found evidence of ash deposits in western and central U.S. as well as in Canada.
A super eruption is expected to disrupt normal life of people but it will not be apocalyptic. Water and sewage system will be blocked due to ash deposits. Communications system across North America will be obstructed. Roads may get slippery due to ash, which will make it difficult to drive. The aviation industry will also be impacted making it difficult for people to transport from one city to another.
A super eruption at the Yellowstone will make the air unsuitable for humans and animals to breathe. The crops in fields will be destroyed and the land may get unsuitable for agriculture.
Scientists say that life in North America will get affected in case a volcanic super eruption occurs, and it may take time, effort and money from government agencies to get everything back to normal.
