While I'd like a lively discussion on the topic of volcanoes, I have been receiving a higher than normal amount of 'anonymous' comments that are either offensive, or spam. So anonymous comments are no longer enabled, you will need to have a Google+, or OpenID account to comment. While I am all for people expressing their opinions, I think its important to own what you say, and to keep it civil (and non-commercial). Thanks for understanding.
A blog dedicated to publishing new and interesting events regarding our active Earth. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, and other seismic events. RSS Feed now available: http://feeds.feedburner.com/VolcanoScienceAndNewsBlog
Friday, December 13, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
New 'Supervolcano' Discovered in Utah
The North American continent is home to several so-called 'supervolcanoes' (a term that is lamented by many geologists and volcanologists) such as Wyoming's Yellowstone Caldera, California's Long Valley Caldera, and New Mexico's Valles Caldera. Now, Utah joins the list of states that are host to some of the biggest eruptions in Earth's history.
After 30 years of intense research, collecting rock samples, creating gravimetric maps, and studying ash layers, geologists have zeroed in on the epicenter of what is thought to be one of the largest eruptions of all time in the US, bigger than even the largest eruptions of Yellowstone. But don't worry, scientists say that it is unlikely to ever erupt again, unlike Yellowstone, or Long Valley (the Valles Caldera also has the potential to reactivate, but is generally the quieter of the three). The magmatic system that produced these eruptions has long since become extinct.
The eruption was so large, that ash layers can be recorded as far away as Nebraska! Wildlife and plants from over 30 million years ago were preserved in these layers.
The epicenter is in an area known as Wah-wah Springs, in Western Utah, and extends to Eastern Nevada. This would make it one of the largest supervolcanoes on the planet (discovered so far at least), and one of the largest in North America.
After 30 years of intense research, collecting rock samples, creating gravimetric maps, and studying ash layers, geologists have zeroed in on the epicenter of what is thought to be one of the largest eruptions of all time in the US, bigger than even the largest eruptions of Yellowstone. But don't worry, scientists say that it is unlikely to ever erupt again, unlike Yellowstone, or Long Valley (the Valles Caldera also has the potential to reactivate, but is generally the quieter of the three). The magmatic system that produced these eruptions has long since become extinct.
The eruption was so large, that ash layers can be recorded as far away as Nebraska! Wildlife and plants from over 30 million years ago were preserved in these layers.
The epicenter is in an area known as Wah-wah Springs, in Western Utah, and extends to Eastern Nevada. This would make it one of the largest supervolcanoes on the planet (discovered so far at least), and one of the largest in North America.
Screenshot of Utah/Nevada Supervolcano eruption area and associated caldera from KSL.com web report.
Many mountain ranges and volcanic rocks in the area were associated with the White Rock Caldera, and it remains to be seen whether or not this volcano is related to it. Utah and Nevada lay on top of the Rio Grande Rift, an area of the United States that is spreading apart, rather than plates slamming together and subducting like the Pacific Plate and its associated Pacific Ring of Fire. Volcanoes along this rift do not erupt as often as their pacific neighbors, but when they do, the eruptions are typically larger and more devastating, and obviously foster the creation of some mantle plumes (although in the arena of science, this would need to be more thoroughly researched, as mantle plumes are still somewhat controversial, despite a lot of evidence).
This recent discovery adds to ever increasing data about the eruptive history of our planet, and will undoubtedly fill in some gaps and resolve some mysteries that have puzzled geologists for some time. Discoveries such as these are always some of the coolest geological news in my opinion!
This recent discovery adds to ever increasing data about the eruptive history of our planet, and will undoubtedly fill in some gaps and resolve some mysteries that have puzzled geologists for some time. Discoveries such as these are always some of the coolest geological news in my opinion!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Etna Steals The Show, Japan Gets New Island
And while Etna steals the show, Japan's volcano, Nishino-shima has had a surprise eruption off its coast that started as a submarine eruption, but birthed a new island into existence (much like we were HOPING would occur live on webcam at El Hierro! But alas...).
Other than these occurrences, it is a slow month/week/year for volcanoes. The currently erupting volcanoes are sadly, the usual suspects!
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Philippine Islands Struck By Massive Cyclone, Help
Not my typical post, but I have some extended family on my fiance's side in the Philippines and the island nation needs everyone's help. Mere weeks after a devastating 7.0 earthquake, and many aftershocks, the Philippines were hit by a MASSIVE cyclone, perhaps one of the biggest storms in historical times, and this has basically leveled the buildings, destroyed thousands of families, and created a living hell for these people.
It is imperative that the global community get moving by donating goods, and money to charities to help the stricken archipelago, and its people. Already the death toll is at approximately 1,500 and rising. This is the worst natural disaster since the Japanese 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and this will get worse for the next month or so.
These are some of the dangers likely to be faced after this disaster. All help, and donations are needed.
- Exposure to the elements; It is clear from photographs and eyewitness accounts that the devastation is total. In the path of the storm, no structures were able to survive intact. People will be outside at all times...
-Infection, disease; standing water, no dry land, and other complications will make things like diarrhea, fevers, mosquitoes, infections, etc very problematic. Antibiotics and fresh water will be scarce.
-Injuries; many thousands of people have been injured. Doctors and facilities will be needed.
Please find a charity and donate to it. My recommendation is to donate to more local charities rather than places like the Red Cross who use a great amount of your donation for overhead. Smaller charities have less overhead, but do be careful that they are not run as a scam... this is an unfortunate reality of the Internet. Thank you to everyone who can help.
It is imperative that the global community get moving by donating goods, and money to charities to help the stricken archipelago, and its people. Already the death toll is at approximately 1,500 and rising. This is the worst natural disaster since the Japanese 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami, and this will get worse for the next month or so.
These are some of the dangers likely to be faced after this disaster. All help, and donations are needed.
- Exposure to the elements; It is clear from photographs and eyewitness accounts that the devastation is total. In the path of the storm, no structures were able to survive intact. People will be outside at all times...
-Infection, disease; standing water, no dry land, and other complications will make things like diarrhea, fevers, mosquitoes, infections, etc very problematic. Antibiotics and fresh water will be scarce.
-Injuries; many thousands of people have been injured. Doctors and facilities will be needed.
Please find a charity and donate to it. My recommendation is to donate to more local charities rather than places like the Red Cross who use a great amount of your donation for overhead. Smaller charities have less overhead, but do be careful that they are not run as a scam... this is an unfortunate reality of the Internet. Thank you to everyone who can help.
Friday, October 25, 2013
7.3 Magnitude Quake Strikes Off Honshu Japan
A 7.3 quake just occurred off of Honshu, Japan, very near the epicenter of the deadly 2011 quake that caused a massive tsunami, and prompted a nuclear power plant disaster at Fukushima Daiichi. The quake was registered at approximately 17:10:16 UTC. A tsunami alert has been issued, however the predicted size is only about 1 meter (around 3 feet), nowhere near as powerful as the devastating tsunami of the 2011 disaster.
No damage or injuries have yet been reported, however this quake comes on the heels of a years long nuclear disaster at the crippled power plant, where hundreds of thousands (perhaps more) gallons of contaminated radioactive water has been spilling into the Pacific Ocean. So far, there are no reports of how this quake has or has not affected the power plant.
Shaking was likely very lightly felt on the main Japanese island, and due to the shallow depth of the quake, this is unlikely to affect any volcanoes in the region, although time will tell. There are growing concerns by geologists in recent years that an eruption from the famed Mt. Fuji (Fuji-yama) could be close, or imminent in the coming years, and any large quake in the vicinity could be a catalyst for such activity. This particular quake however does not seem to be close enough to Fuji to affect it in this manner.
The aftermath of this quake will likely consist of still more aftershocks. Aftershocks from the massive 2011 quake are still occurring in the area, and it is possible that this 7.3 quake is a result of that previous event, however geologists are likely to classify this as an independent event.
The subduction zone bordering Japan is one of the earth's most active and dangerous. It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and produces Japan's volcanoes, and is very much responsible for the existence of Japan itself. Quakes in this area are large, and common.
No damage or injuries have yet been reported, however this quake comes on the heels of a years long nuclear disaster at the crippled power plant, where hundreds of thousands (perhaps more) gallons of contaminated radioactive water has been spilling into the Pacific Ocean. So far, there are no reports of how this quake has or has not affected the power plant.
Shaking was likely very lightly felt on the main Japanese island, and due to the shallow depth of the quake, this is unlikely to affect any volcanoes in the region, although time will tell. There are growing concerns by geologists in recent years that an eruption from the famed Mt. Fuji (Fuji-yama) could be close, or imminent in the coming years, and any large quake in the vicinity could be a catalyst for such activity. This particular quake however does not seem to be close enough to Fuji to affect it in this manner.
The aftermath of this quake will likely consist of still more aftershocks. Aftershocks from the massive 2011 quake are still occurring in the area, and it is possible that this 7.3 quake is a result of that previous event, however geologists are likely to classify this as an independent event.
The subduction zone bordering Japan is one of the earth's most active and dangerous. It lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and produces Japan's volcanoes, and is very much responsible for the existence of Japan itself. Quakes in this area are large, and common.
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