The “Big One” Yellowstone National Park Caleb Stewart Tori Hammerschmidt Brittany Mazzoleni 7th Hour

What’s the Problem? A large portion of Yellowstone National Park is located within the boundary of a large caldera that formed about 600,000 years ago. The magma chamber under the caldera still contains liquid rock and heats all of the hot springs and geysers in the park. Because the hot spot remains active, a giant eruption will most likely happen. But no one knows when.

What We Know The last eruption was 640,000 years ago. A new cycle of volcanic activity had begun in the last year. The strength and number of earthquakes have increased. Existing hot spots have grown, and new ones have appeared. An area to the North-East of Yellowstone Lake has uplifted again. The last eruption was 640,000 years ago. A new cycle of volcanic activity had begun in the last year. The strength and number of earthquakes have increased. Existing hot spots have grown, and new ones have appeared. An area to the North-East of Yellowstone Lake has uplifted again.

ChallengesChallenges A very large explosive eruption is likely to occur. Millions of tourists are in Yellowstone every year. We have been asked to come up with a solution. A very large explosive eruption is likely to occur. Millions of tourists are in Yellowstone every year. We have been asked to come up with a solution.

Where is the Caldera Located? The caldera is located in Yellowstone National Park and in the North-West corner of Wyoming. It has a Latitude of 44°24′N, and a Longitude of 110°42′W.

MapMap Caldera

What Kind of Volcano? The Yellowstone Caldera is a super volcano.

Tectonic Setting The Yellowstone Caldera sits on a hot spot.

CharacteristicsCharacteristics Very Large Mountainous It is about 34 Miles by 45 Miles Rocks that are 2.1 Million Years Old. Several rivers flow very close to the caldera rim. Waterfalls Very Large Mountainous It is about 34 Miles by 45 Miles Rocks that are 2.1 Million Years Old. Several rivers flow very close to the caldera rim. Waterfalls

Why is it Dangerous? The eruption will be very violent. Poisonous volcanic ash would shoot out of the volcano. Many people are at risk. The eruption will be very violent. Poisonous volcanic ash would shoot out of the volcano. Many people are at risk.

AshAsh This picture shows exactly how far the volcanic ash would travel.

600 Mile Radius People in this circle are at risk of dying.

Risk Analysis If the super volcano were to erupt, it would cost a total of 11 Billion dollars. That is $17, for every person in the area.

Yellowstone Caldera

Surrounding Area

Yellowstone Falls

Possible Solutions Ignore the problem and carry on with our lives. Continue using all existing technology to monitor conditions and seek new technology to help predict eruptions sooner. Close Yellowstone Ignore the problem and carry on with our lives. Continue using all existing technology to monitor conditions and seek new technology to help predict eruptions sooner. Close Yellowstone

Our Plan Continue using all existing technology to monitor conditions and seek new technology to help predict eruptions sooner.

Why?Why? The reason for not doing anything is that it is a real hazard. If the area ever erupted with no warning, thousands of lives could be lost. The reason for not closing the park is because it is a national treasure and it would be a disservice to the public to not allow them to enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone. The reason for not doing anything is that it is a real hazard. If the area ever erupted with no warning, thousands of lives could be lost. The reason for not closing the park is because it is a national treasure and it would be a disservice to the public to not allow them to enjoy the natural beauty of Yellowstone.

ConsequencesConsequences It will cost a lot of money. There is always the risk that the volcano would erupt with no warning and cause major damage. It will cost a lot of money. There is always the risk that the volcano would erupt with no warning and cause major damage.

SourcesSources volcano.html vsituations4.html no.htm volcano.html vsituations4.html no.htm