Steam explosions, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions -- what's in Yellowstone's future?

Fact Sheet 2005-3024
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Yellowstone, one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems, has produced several giant volcanic eruptions in the past few million years, as well as many smaller eruptions and steam explosions. Although no eruptions of lava or volcanic ash have occurred for many thousands of years, future eruptions are likely. In the next few hundred years, hazards will most probably be limited to ongoing geyser and hot-spring activity, occasional steam explosions, and moderate to large earthquakes. To better understand Yellowstone’s volcano and earthquake hazards and to help protect the public, the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Utah, and Yellowstone National Park formed the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, which continuously monitors activity in the region.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Steam explosions, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions -- what's in Yellowstone's future?
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2005-3024
DOI 10.3133/fs20053024
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Hazards Program
Description 6 p.
Country United States
State Wyoming
Other Geospatial Yellowstone
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details