How Would a Yellowstone Volcanic Eruption Impact Colorado?
If you think Denver’s air quality is bad now, imagine the aftermath of a large volcanic explosion at Yellowstone National Park.
Recently, a hydrothermal explosion occurred a few miles north of the famous Old Faithful geyser, causing visitors to flee. The explosion destroyed a nearby boardwalk and led to the closure of the Biscuit Basin area. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Despite the alarming event, hydrothermal explosions are common at Yellowstone, happening once or more each year. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assured that such explosions are not indicative of impending volcanic eruptions. However, the incident sparked online discussions about the potential impact if Yellowstone’s volcanic system were to erupt.
The Potential Impact of a Yellowstone Eruption on Colorado
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory states that a large eruption at Yellowstone would not lead to the end of the human race, but it would have significant global impacts, including effects on the entire state of Colorado.
Regional Effects
According to the USGS, a “supereruption” at Yellowstone would have regional effects, including falling ash and short-term climate changes lasting years or decades. Nearby states like Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming could face destructive pyroclastic flows, which consist of lava blocks, pumice, ash, and volcanic gas.
Impact on Colorado
The rest of the country, including Colorado, would be affected by volcanic ash. Thick ash deposits could bury vast areas of the United States, and the release of volcanic gases could drastically affect global climate.
Research by USGS scientists Larry Mastin and Jacob Lowenstern, along with National Science Foundation researcher Alexa Van Eaton, modeled where ash would fall in the event of a supereruption. Their studies used historical evidence and modern-day weather patterns to predict ash distribution.
The models revealed that supereruptions distribute ash in a fundamentally different pattern than smaller eruptions, creating an umbrella cloud of ash and volcanic debris that is less influenced by winds. This would result in thick ash dispersing in all directions, thinning out with distance from the eruption site.
According to the USGS model, southern Colorado could receive ash deposits ranging from 1 to 4 inches thick, while the northern half of the state could see ash deposits of 4 to 12 inches thick.
Reality Check
Despite dramatic “doomsday” scenarios, scientists believe the actual impacts would be less severe. The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory noted that the park has been behaving normally for the past 140 years. Yellowstone has not erupted in approximately 70,000 years, and the odds of a large eruption occurring in the coming centuries are very low.
Conclusion
While the recent hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone raised concerns, it is not a sign of an impending supereruption. However, understanding the potential impacts of such an event helps prepare for worst-case scenarios. For now, Yellowstone continues to be a place of natural wonder, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its geothermal marvels.
