In the last two weeks, Yellowstone National Park has felt over 100 earthquakes making it the second largest cluster ever recorded.  This activity has certainly raised some eyebrows considering the recent earthquake disaster in Haiti.  Typically, the park receives about 2,000 small earthquakes a year but since January 17, over 1,800 earthquakes have been reported.  Curiosity among geologist is heightened because of the high earthquake concentration in such a short time span.

Yellowstone National Park

Much of Yellowstone National Park basically lies within a “super-volcano” and geologist have found that the park grounds have risen about two feet from 1923 to 1985.  This rise may signify magma building beneath the ground that could prelude a major volcanic event.  According to geological records, the last catastrophic volcanic eruption was 70,000 years ago making the park due for another massive explosion.  However, scientists believe that the recent rumblings are not caused by shifting magma below the earth’s surface but of slipping on already existing fault lines.  Therefore, the Volcanic Alert Level remains Normal.

Yellowstone National Park is outlined in yellow whereas the site of the “super-volcano” or the Caldera Rim is outlined here in red.  Courtesy of USGS.

Geologists always closely monitor every tremor because a massive eruption would negatively effect those from Los Angeles to New York City.  Below is a graphic depicting the extent of ash coverage across the U.S.  This ash would certainly effect agriculture here in the U.S by contaminating the soil, dimming sunlight and cooling the air temperature.  Geologists and meteorologist alike believe that a major volcanic eruption anywhere in the world could throw enough ash into the atmosphere to cause the earth’s climate to head into another mini ice age.

You can check out the latest earthquakes around the globe at the U.S Geological Survery Earthquake Hazards Program website.

Kristin Clark

WeatherNation Meteorologist