If you thought Yellowstone was just a peaceful national park with geysers and hot springs, think again. NASA has just announced that a 100ft wide fissure-crack has opened up in the caldera of the Yellowstone volcano, one of the largest and most active super volcanoes on Earth.
The fissure-crack was detected by NASA’s satellite imagery and confirmed by ground observations. It is located near the Sour Creek resurgent dome, one of the two uplifted regions in the center of the caldera that indicate magma movement and pressure changes. The fissure-crack is about 24 miles long and extends from the northeast to the southwest of the dome.
The Recent Fissure-Crack in Yellowstone Volcano
Recently, NASA announced that a 100ft wide fissure-crack had opened up in the park, causing concern among scientists and tourists alike. The crack was discovered during a routine flight over the park, and scientists are now monitoring the area closely to determine if any other changes are occurring.
NASA scientists say that the fissure-crack is a sign of increased volcanic activity and deformation in the Yellowstone region, which has been undergoing cycles of uplift and subsidence for millions of years. The last major eruption of Yellowstone occurred 640,000 years ago, producing the Lava Creek Tuff and forming the current caldera. Since then, smaller lava flows and hydrothermal explosions have occurred within and near the caldera, but no magmatic eruptions have taken place.
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The fissure-crack does not necessarily mean that an eruption is imminent, but it does increase the risk of a potential eruption in the future. NASA is monitoring the situation closely and collaborating with other agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure public safety and awareness. The USGS maintains a volcano alert level system for Yellowstone, which is currently at green (normal), indicating that there are no signs of an impending eruption.
However, NASA warns that if an eruption were to occur, it could have devastating consequences for the region and beyond. A large-scale eruption of Yellowstone could produce massive amounts of ash, gas, and pyroclastic flows that could cover large areas of North America and affect global climate for years. The ash cloud could also disrupt air travel and communication systems, while the gas emissions could pose health hazards for humans and animals.
NASA advises people to stay informed about the status of Yellowstone volcano and to follow the guidelines of the NPS if they plan to visit the park. The NPS says that visitors should respect the natural features and wildlife of Yellowstone, and avoid venturing into restricted or dangerous areas. The NPS also says that visitors should be prepared for emergencies and have a plan in case of an evacuation.
Yellowstone volcano is one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, but it is also one of the most unpredictable and potentially hazardous. NASA hopes that by studying and monitoring Yellowstone, they can learn more about its history, behavior, and future, and help protect people and the environment from its possible eruptions.
Published by EJLAAL GROUP