YVO Frequently Asked Questions
Supervolcano
- Did you see the new docudrama Supervolcano about Yellowstone on television? Here Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientists answer questions about Supervolcanoes, Volcanic Hazards, Yellowstone, and the movie.
- What is a supervolcano?
- What are some other examples of supervolcanoes?
- I read that scientists couldn't find the Yellowstone caldera until they looked at a photo of Yellowstone from space. Is this true?
Volcanic History
- When was the last time there was volcanism at Yellowstone?
- How much volcanic activity has there been at Yellowstone since the most recent giant eruption?
- How often do volcanic eruptions occur at Yellowstone?
- What was the extent of ash deposition from the largest Yellowstone eruptions?
- How many caldera-forming eruptions have occurred from the long-lived hotspot that is currently beneath Yellowstone?
- How many giant eruptions have occurred in the Yellowstone National Park region and how large were they?
- How do the giant eruptions in the Yellowstone National Park region compare to other large historic eruptions?
Monitoring
- What are the main monitoring instruments of YVO?
- How are Yellowstone earthquakes analyzed and mapped?
- What techniques does YVO use to measure ground deformation?
- Have uplift and subsidence been seen on other volcanoes? Does uplift mean that an eruption is coming?
- What is the normal volcanic activity level for Yellowstone?
- What is the current status of volcanic activity at Yellowstone?
Future Activity
- Is it true that the next caldera-forming eruption of Yellowstone is overdue?
- When will Yellowstone erupt again?
- What type of eruption will occur if Yellowstone erupts again?
- When will the next large earthquake occur in Yellowstone?
- Could a large Yellowstone eruption significantly change weather patterns?
- Can you release some of the pressure at Yellowstone by drilling into the volcano?
Heatflow and Geothermal
- How hot is Yellowstone?
- What is heat flow?
- How is heat released in Yellowstone?
- Can we use the heat from Yellowstone for energy?
Science
- How fast is the hotspot moving under Yellowstone?
- How large is the magma chamber that is currently under Yellowstone? How much magma is there under Yellowstone?
- Why is Yellowstone called Yellowstone?
- Are earthquakes at Yellowstone related to volcanism?
- What is the relationship between volcanism and the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone?
- Do you have a list of references that discuss volcanic activity in Yellowstone National Park?
Do you have a question that was not answered here? If so check out these FAQ lists.
- USGS Volcano Hazards Program FAQs
- USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory FAQs
- USGS Long Valley Observatory FAQs, including questions about the movie Dante's Peak
- Volcano World website's Top 101 FAQs
