Yellowstone National Park sits at the top of the famous supervolcano, which, according to a new scientific study, could explode at any moment. How does this threaten North America and the world? Scientists predict that the coming eruption could change the Earth's climate. Americans are especially concerned about this. Over the past years, they have been scared by shark tornadoes and sci-fi blockbusters directed by Michael Bay. So where do you expect trouble in the first place?
Unpredictable Yellowstone
Studies show that an eruption can occur without an external trigger, which is usually an earthquake. If you've seen the movie Dante's Peak, you should know that volcanic activity is preceded by a series of changes that signal impending danger to seismologists.
And now scientists are confident that apocalyptic eruptions can be caused not only by tectonic faults, but also by the fluidity of lava. These features lead seismologists to believe that volcanoes are much more unpredictable. In fact, Yellowstone can explode for no apparent external reason. Internal reasons, however, are reliably hidden from the eyes of scientists and can only identify themselves in fact.
Technological innovations and computer modeling come to the rescue
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This conclusion was reached by two teams of geologists working in parallel. In their research, they used ESRF X-rays and the latest technology, which allowed them to build a mathematical model to explain the conditions for a potential explosion. Until now, no one has measured the density of magma and surrounding rocks inside supervolcanoes. In total, the scientists made more than 1.2 million computer-simulated images. They concluded that the internal conditions are sufficient to break a huge crack in the earth's crust. Unlike ordinary volcanoes that erupt, supervolcanoes tend to explode.
The frequency of the eruption
Supervolcanoes are believed to erupt approximately every 100,000 years. Therefore, for now, Americans and guests of the country have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone National Park without fear of an apocalyptic explosion.
Inga Kaisina