What Damage Could a Yellowstone Super Volcano Eruption Wreak?

The media love to sensationalise the possibility of a catastrophic blast from Yellowstone National Park’s notorious super volcano. The aftermath would be fierce, and while in-house researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Yellowstone Volcano Observatory dismiss the likelihood of an explosion, scientists aren’t categorically ruling out the chances. 

As a cautionary measure, volcanologists continually monitor Yellowstone for signs of molten rock tunnelling, as well as forecast the potential damage of the aftermath. Historic super eruptions and volcanic blasts are used to predict the after effects of a potential blast, and determine just how far the damage would span. Of course, given the fact that on a global scale massive outbursts only occur once or twice every million years, drawing on previous research isn’t always easy. 

A ‘perfect storm’ of calderas

Entrapped inside a trio of overlapping calderas, Yellowstone National Park is one of the world’s most notorious volcanic sites. Over time colossal eruptions formed bowl-shaped depressions, with blasts taking place 640,000, 1.3 million and 2.1 million years ago.

If a future blast replicated the effects of its predecessors, wind-flung ash is cited as a major problem. Following the blast, an ash circle measuring 500 miles in diameter could blanket the region. According to a study published in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems this ‘umbrella cloud’ could deposit more than four inches of debris. The Midwest’s agriculture economy would be devastated, while surrounding rivers, lakes and streams would become chocked. All in all, damage could extend as far as the Pacific Northwest, with states such as California and Florida also receiving a nominal dusting. 

A gaseous blackout

Gas is another keynote concern, as a stream of sulfur dioxide would form an aerosol that would actively absorb sunlight, or reflect it back towards space. The result would be a temporary climate shift that would chill the region, trigger unseasonal frosts and kill crops in the process.

As for lava… Yellowstone’s bowels are red hot, but a recent study confirmed that just 9% of the super volcano’s magma chamber is molten, while the rest is solid. Volcanologists assert that the figure would have to jump to 50% before a severe explosion could take place.

The bottom line? We would endure…

Ultimately, while the local impact would be severe, a Yellowstone mega blast wouldn’t destroy life on planet Earth.

"Are we all going to die if Yellowstone erupts? Almost certainly the answer is no," reassures Yellowstone expert and assistant research professor at the University of Utah, Jamie Farrell.

Interestingly, an explosion isn’t the only exposure the world has to toxic volcanic substances. ‘Sample Preparation and Analysis of Arsenic in Rice’ explores concerns surrounding the presence of arsenic in rice, a chemical element that’s found in the Earth’s crust and naturally released during volcanic eruptions.