Madame Butterfly 0 Posted May 9, 2005 Yellowstone Listed as High Eruption Threat The U.S. Geological Survey says Yellowstone is the 21st most dangerous of the 169 volcano centers in the United States. YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. (May 9) - The Yellowstone caldera has been classified a high threat for volcanic eruption, according to a report from the U.S. Geological Survey. Yellowstone ranks 21st most dangerous of the 169 volcano centers in the United States, according to the Geological Survey's first-ever comprehensive review of the nation's volcanoes. Kilauea in Hawaii received the highest overall threat score followed by Mount St. Helens and Mount Rainer in Washington, Mount Hood in Oregon and Mount Shasta in California. Kilauea has been erupting since 1983. Mount St. Helens, which erupted catastrophically in 1980, began venting again in 2004. Those volcanoes fall within the very high threat group, which includes 18 systems. Yellowstone is classified with 36 others as high threat. Recurring earthquake swarms, swelling and falling ground, and changes in hydrothermal features are cited in the report as evidence of unrest at Yellowstone. The report calls for better monitoring of the 55 volcanoes in the very high and high threat categories to track seismic activity, ground bulging, gas emissions and hydrologic changes. University of Utah geology professor Robert Smith, who monitors earthquakes and volcanic activity in Yellowstone, said more real-time monitoring should be helpful. ''We've really been stressing over the last couple of years that the USGS should consider hazards as a very high priority in their future,'' he said. ''We need to get the public's confidence and the perception that we're doing it right.'' The university has joined the Geological Survey and Yellowstone National Park in creating the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, which uses ground-based instruments throughout the region and satellite data to monitor volcanic and earthquake unrest in the world's first national park. The USGS report recognizes Yellowstone as an unusual hazard because of the millions of people who visit the park and walk amid features created by North America's largest volcanic system, Smith said, a status he has been advocating for years. Smith does not paint the devastating picture portrayed in a recent TV docudrama but said smaller threats exist. For example, a lower-scale hydrothermal blast could scald tourists strolling along boardwalks. Emissions of toxic gases from the park's geothermal features also pose a threat. Five bison dropped dead last year after inhaling poisonous gases trapped near the ground due to cold, calm weather near Norris Geyser Basin. Stepped up monitoring and a new 24-hour watch office could lead to more timely warnings and help avoid human catastrophes at Yellowstone and nationally, according to the USGS. Forty-five eruptions, including 15 cases of notable volcanic unrest, have been documented at 33 volcanoes in the U.S. since 1980, according to the report, released April 29. 05-09-05 09:39EDT Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueCrystal 0 Posted May 9, 2005 (edited) I find it interesting that Yellowstone may erupt. Perhaps even in my lifetime. I know that there may be large loss of life, the weather will change, and that crops my fail due to cold. Also I know that the sunshine may be lost to us for sometime due to all the ash in the air. Breathing in the ash would be hazardous too and may cause Cancer. Still I watched Mt St Helens erupt and I got hooked on reading and watching other volcanoes erupting too. Edited May 9, 2005 by BlueCrystal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kor37 9 Posted May 9, 2005 mutters....*scratches Yellowstone off list of possible vacation destinations*..................... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Madame Butterfly 0 Posted May 9, 2005 mutters....*scratches Yellowstone off list of possible vacation destinations*..................... 323321[/snapback] LMAO!!!!!!! B) B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yillara Skye 1 Posted May 9, 2005 mutters....*scratches Yellowstone off list of possible vacation destinations*..................... 323321[/snapback] LOL!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theunicornhunter 2 Posted May 10, 2005 I saw that docudrama on the Discovery channel - scary stuff - even on a smaller scale it would still be scary. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3 of 7 0 Posted May 10, 2005 mutters....*scratches Yellowstone off list of possible vacation destinations*..................... 323321[/snapback] ROFL! Yeah, I've seen that documentary. Interesting to learn about this supervolcanoes!!! B) B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WEAREBORG4102 0 Posted May 14, 2005 Well.. nobody has talked about the supervolcano thing for 20 years..... Considering that the united states would be screwed majorly if it erupted.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites