The Yellowstone Supervolcano

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The Yellowstone Supervolcano

By Daniel Goode

What is the Present Volcanic Activity in the Region?

There are often large amounts of volcanic activity surrounding the Yellowstone Supervolcano; in the month of September 2010, 52 earthquakes were recorded, the greatest reaching a magnitude of 2.4. Small earthquakes are common in the Yellowstone region. Starting in 2004, there has been a period of accelerated uplift of the Yellowstone caldera, however this has now decreased.

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What are the Present Land Uses that an Eruption Might Affect?

Many land uses essential to human (and indeed animal) life would be impossible throughout the world-but especially in America and Europe- if the Yellowstone supervolcano erupted. Many deaths would be caused mainly by ash; inhalation of ash would kill and sicken humans and animals, crush buildings (30cm is sufficient to collapse a roof), machinery-such as air filters- would be clogged, and crops and other vegetation would die. There are also several environmental factors to take into account; probably the most prominent would be the global decrease in temperature, ...

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