Interesting read on Yellowstone
DW found this write up about Yellowstone, we thought that some of you may find it interesting http://www.infinitysnews.com/casper/how-wyoming-connected-hawaii%E2%80%99s-volcano-eruptions
Forum Discussion
The connection between Yellowstone and Hawaii is that they are both located over what are called hot spots, vertical plumes in the mantle that bring heat from deep within the earth. One big difference is that the hot spot under Hawaii is under ocean crust while the one in Yellowstone is under continental crust. That accounts for the differences in the types of lava and the different eruptive styles of the two places. Hawaii is more a less a continuous eruptive sequence while Yellowstone builds up over hundreds of thousands of years and then has one big blow.
Yes, from a historical perpective, the Yellowstone "super volcano" is overdue, but if the average is around 650,000 or 700,000 years, even a 1% variation is around 7000 years.
Believe me, if the big one was imminent at Yellowstone, it would manifest itself in more than the change in the eruptions of one geyser. Think lots of big earthquakes.
Yes, from a historical perpective, the Yellowstone "super volcano" is overdue, but if the average is around 650,000 or 700,000 years, even a 1% variation is around 7000 years.
Believe me, if the big one was imminent at Yellowstone, it would manifest itself in more than the change in the eruptions of one geyser. Think lots of big earthquakes.
