Guest guest Posted April 1, 2009 Report Share Posted April 1, 2009 Watched a program about Yellowstone. The magma chamber under the park is something like 35 miles by 25 miles by 10 miles thick. That's what powers the guysers and hot springs in the part, which has more of these than the rest of the world combined. That's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Under the magma chamber is a hot spot. This hot spot is at least 450 miles deep, probably far deeper but that is the limit of current technology. This hotspot has erupted many times. The chain of previous calderas stretches away west. The hotspot is stationary, it is the continent above that is moving. In California is evidence of an ancient eruption. A thick layer of obsidian under a 30 foot thick layer of ash. In 2006, the area above the magma chamber began rising at 2 to 3 inches per year. This year, the number of earthquakes is four times above average. Yellowstone erupts about every 600,000 years. The last eruption was 640,000 years ago. We're really going to miss all that farmland that is now under subdivisions and strip malls if that thing goes off. Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.