For many, supervolcanoes They represent one of the greatest threats to humanity, even more so than climate change. Their destructive capacity is so overwhelming that they could wipe out life as we know it in a matter of days. However, rest assured: although there are around twenty supervolcanoes on Earth, none should be considered worrisome at this time, not even the famous Yellowstone supervolcano.
Supervolcanoes They are fascinating geological structures that have left an indelible mark on the planet's history. These sleeping giants are not only of great scientific interest for their destructive potential, but also for the information they offer about the history of the Earth and the evolution of its ecosystems.
The last eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano took place approximately 640,000 years ago—a fact that seems astonishing, right? Its history isn't limited to this last eruption; the oldest major eruption was recorded more than 2 million years ago, a truly impressive figure when we consider geological timescales. But how does the scientific community define a supervolcano?
Un supervolcano It is characterized by having a magma chamber thousands of times larger than that of a typical conventional volcano. This means that, upon awakening, its eruption would be much more devastating, potentially expelling thousands of cubic kilometers of material into the atmosphere, which would drastically alter the landscape and climate of the surrounding regions. For example, it is believed that the most recent Yellowstone eruption may have triggered the last Ice Age.
As we mentioned, Yellowstone is just one of several supervolcanoes around the world. Some other notable examples include:
- Lake Toba (Sumatra, Indonesia)
- Taupo volcanic region (New Zealand)
- Garita Caldera (Colorado, USA)
- La Pacana Caldera (Chile)
- Caldera Aira (Japan)
Despite their destructive power, no significant eruptions are currently expected in the near future. However, they continue to be studied by the scientific community, given their potential global impact.
What are supervolcanoes?
A supervolcano is a volcanic caldera that has produced an eruption with an ejecta volume greater than 1,000 cubic kilometers. These rashes They are extremely rare, but their effects can be devastating, affecting the global climate, biodiversity, and human civilization. Unlike traditional volcanoes, supervolcanoes don't have the typical conical shape, and their activity may be less obvious.
Yellowstone Supervolcano
The Yellowstone Caldera, located in Yellowstone National Park, is perhaps the best known in the world. Its boiler It measures approximately 55 by 72 kilometers. Yellowstone has experienced three supereruptions in the last 2.1 million years, the most recent about 640,000 years ago. It is currently considered active due to constant geothermal activity, the presence of a large magma chamber system, and the regular occurrence of minor earthquakes. However, the likelihood of an eruption in the near future is low according to scientists from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). To learn more about this supervolcano, you can read about the unique characteristics of Yellowstone.
Toba Supervolcano
The Lake Toba supervolcano, located in Sumatra, Indonesia, had its last supereruption about 74,000 years ago, which is considered one of the largest eruptions of the last 2 million years. This eruption had a significant impact on the global climate, causing a "volcanic winter" that may have reduced drastically the human population. Although Toba continues to show geothermal and seismic activity, there is no evidence of an imminent eruption.
Lake Taupo Supervolcano
Lake Taupo, located on New Zealand's North Island, is home to one of the world's most powerful supervolcanoes. Taupo's last massive eruption occurred approximately 26,500 years ago and is known as the Oruanui eruption. The caldera has erupted several smaller times since then, the most recent being approximately 1,800 years ago. Taupo continues to be closely monitored due to its potential for future eruptions.
Caldera Valleys, United States
The Valles Caldera, located in New Mexico, USA, is a testament to Earth's dramatic geological history. Formed approximately 1.25 million years ago during a VEI 8 eruption, it is one of the most significant supervolcanoes in North America. Although it has not experienced recent eruptions of such magnitude, its active volcanic system requires monitoring and study to evaluate its potential.
Long Valley Caldera
Located in eastern California, the Long Valley Caldera is another prominent supervolcano. About 760,000 years ago, it experienced a major eruption that resulted in the formation of its current caldera. Although it has remained relatively dormant in recent times, this system remains a subject of scientific monitoring due to its geothermal activity.
Campi Flegrei, Italy
The Campi Flegrei volcanic complex, near Naples, Italy, is one of the world's most dangerous supervolcanoes. Its caldera extends over 13 kilometers in diameter and has experienced numerous eruptions. The last significant eruption occurred in 1538, but current geothermal activity poses a risk. risks to the surrounding population.
Aira Caldera, Japan
The Aira Caldera, located in Japan, is famous for its volcanic activity. It is home to the iconic Sakurajima volcano, which has recently erupted. The Aira Caldera has had a significant impact on the local landscape and culture, making its monitoring essential for the safety of nearby residents.
La Garita Boiler
The Garita Caldera, located in Colorado, USA, is an ancient supervolcano that witnessed one of the most colossal eruptions on Earth. Approximately 27 million years ago, this caldera experienced a VEI 8 eruption that spewed a huge amount of ash, shaping the current landscape. Although it is no longer active, its study provides insights valuable information about the geological history of the Earth.
Ischia, Italy
Ischia, an island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is part of the Phlegraean Islands and is a lesser-known but significant volcanic site. Its last eruption occurred in 1302. The island's volcanic characteristics continue to be a point of interest for tourists and scientists alike.
Monitoring and Surveillance
The scientific community places great emphasis on the monitoring of these supervolcanoes due to the potential disasters they could cause. Agencies such as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Indonesian Geological Monitoring Agency use advanced technology to detect signs of volcanic activity, such as changes in seismicity or deformations in the ground. An example of how volcanoes in the United States are being monitored can be found in this post.
The probability of a super-eruption in our lifetime is exceptionally low. However, ongoing monitoring and research are essential to prepare for a potential crisis. The injection of volcanic dust into the stratosphere can cause significant changes in the global climate, as well as impact agriculture and human health. Therefore, monitoring and understanding these phenomena is crucial.
- Supervolcanoes can cause global climate change.
- Yellowstone is one of the most studied and feared supervolcanoes in the world.
- Supervolcano eruptions are expected to be extremely rare and unlikely in the near future.
- Modern technologies allow for effective monitoring of these geological phenomena.
