In my November 28th column "5 Things to do with $10 Billion a Month," I mentioned the megavolcanic eruption of 70,000 years ago as a challenge our species has faced -- and surmounted. That ancient catastrophe bottlenecked the human population and reduced our numbers to a few thousand or less.
Last week in my column "Resolution for a New American Year," I mentioned the Yellowstone megavolcano as something we should be paying attention to. Yellowstone is, like the ancient eruption which threatened us, a simmering cauldron of nature's fury pressure-cooking beneath the famous national park.
Well, yesterday came word that 400 small earthquakes have begun rocking Yellowstone for the past few days, and it's got scientists worried.
Says Robert Smith, geophysics professor at the University of Utah:
"[The earthquakes are] certainly not normal. We haven't had earthquakes in this energy or extent in many years."
There is much information available on the subject; for a quick look, here's the
Wikipedia entry.
Now, my readers know that I am a vehement opponent of end-of-the-world prophecy and I reject all belief in Armageddon. I continue to stand by that. If the eruption of 70,000 years ago couldn't polish us off, it sure won't now. Our human family has grown quite a bit, and we've got some nifty survival tricks up our sleeves.
That said, a megavolcanic eruption at Yellowstone would be a global catastrophe. America's grain-producing regions (which amount to the chief breadbasket of the world) would be obliterated, and the resulting climate change from volcanic ash skyrocketed into the atmosphere would represent the greatest challenge to human dominance -- and Earthly life -- since before recorded history.
These things happen. And Yellowstone will blow eventually; the ground swells higher every year as incredible pressures exert their terrible influence.
Earth's seasons aren't just the ones we measure on our wall calenders. Ours is a living world with creaks and moods entirely indifferent to us. We build a city, and a tsunami or hurricane or volcano wipes it out. That tsunami or hurricane or volcano would have still happened, even if humans never existed. They are a natural feature of our world. And nature is a brutal benefactor.
This news about Yellowstone hasn't made it into the major news networks yet, and it's possible it will boil over (no pun intended.) On the other hand, if this series of seismic activity is indeed a precursor to a major eruption, we've got our work cut out for us. The least challenge will be dealing with the end-of-the-worlders -- yes, the ones who will blame it on God or Allah or Jesus or Bush or Obama. I can hear their chant already. Natural disasters tend to bring out the best and the worst; it shows us who we really are.
For the rational among us, let's keep an eye and ear peeled. Forewarned is forearmed.
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Comments
Hi,
Just came across your blog on Google News. Here's the most recent news article I've found, it might be of interest: denverpost.com/news/ci_11363185
The USGS has downplayed fears of a supervolcanic eruption in recent days, but Robert Smith appears to disagree.
"It's not business as usual ... This is a large earthquake swarm, and we've recorded several hundred. We are paying careful attention. This is an important sequence."
"In 2007, Smith and his University of Utah colleagues said the current rise in the caldera was "unprecedented" but concluded that because there were no major earthquakes or "earthquake swarms" accompanying the uplift, they found "little indication that the volcano is moving toward an eruption." "
Steam explosions look likely, " the observatory said there is some potential for explosions and that earthquakes may continue and increase in intensity."
Interesting story. I was there many years ago and saw a small grove of trees on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. They were in about 4" of water. You could see water marks on every tree about 4" above the present level of the water. All were dying do to now being in the water. The higher mark was due to the bulging of the lake bottom from activity in the caldera. I was told this by a researcher.
That was back in 1976.
Hi Brian and all,
You should be wary of those who talk about Armageddon and Apocalypse, especially those on the so-called "History" Channel. I have proven what these terms actually allude to and symbolize and now comes much more evidence than most people ever wanted. Google me (Seven Star Hand) and be prepared to finally the learn the truth that has been been hidden from everyone.
These unfolding events are merely symbolic sideshows that help prove the truth. Armageddon refers to humanity finding itself in a "low place" and between a rock and hard place with limited choices, but to change behavior. An Apocalypse is a revealing of great truths that destroy ages-old deceptions. Those on the History Channel, and many religious leaders know this, yet they continue to use lies to deceive.
With that said, I did warn of these events, on Christmas morning at 3:33 AM PST. How did I know to do this at that time? The Apocalypse unfolds because the great mysteries are now unsealed. These physical ramifications are due to human folly and bad, bad, karma. Time to grow smart...
Peace and Wisdom...
Happy,
What you observed is one of the chief clues that led researchers to realize what was cooking under Yellowstone. Since people have never gotten the chance to scientifically measure such an event before, we don't know enough of when it'll blow its top.
Mike,
Yes, I've also been following this very closely for several years now. Hopefully it will amount to nothing yet. Yellowstone could blow a thousand years from now, or tomorrow.
Seven Star,
You're entitled to your views; for me, I reject belief in Armageddon and Apocalypse. Natural catastrophes happen. Asteroids strike and wipe out the dinos. Supernovas shower worlds with deadly radiation. Plagues decimate entire continents. These are features of a hostile universe, but it is the universe we are in.
Give us a few more centuries of technological development, and very little will be able to threaten us... including death.
SEE??????? HOW FREAKING ***** BLIND DO YOU HAVE TO BE?
I'm digging my shelter now. It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine. :)
PS I'm a subscriber.
----Mic C
Oh and Steve Hand overrates himself. Googled him---nada. LOL Maybe that will ring down pestilence on me. Oh well....
Demonstration of Eruption (Yellowstone, Hudson Bay)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zULevzGwGn0&feature=channel_page
This You Tube video is my experiment to determine how a magma chamber would erupt if inundated by a lake.
I know where the fault that will rupture is located. I know how Yellowstone will erupt. And I know when.
Watch,and find out more,if you're curious. Ask a question and I'll provide the answer.
No, it's not "about to blow," and we should all be more responsible than to spread such claims.
Robin Marks, could not even a small quake under the lake cause millions of gallons of cold water to rush to meet hot magma which would cause one hell of a steam explosion?
Ed,
The article isn't making claims. It's asking a question, and making historical observations. Super-eruptions have happened before, and they will happen again.
I'd be interested in seeing what kind of hypothetical "solution" we could come up to address this? Even as a fun speculation experiment. What do you do when confronted with such pressures?
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