Yellowstone Park Volcano

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When will it erupt, and what will happen?

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Under “normal” geological conditions (inactive), there may be little threat

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/09/120920-yellowstone-supervolcano-prediction-volcanoes-science-environment/#

Yellowstone’s next major eruption will probably be centered in one of three parallel fault zones running north-northwest across the park, a new study predicts.

"It is not an imminent hazard," Girard said. "Every study has concluded that there is no magma that is ready to erupt within any foreseeable future."

True? Hope so…

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The bible predicts large global earthquakes. If one occurred, it could disrupt what is now considered normal, and inactive, and make the volcano a threat:

http://www.cbc.ca/doczone/episode/supervolcano-yellowstones-fury.html?subpage=zonemap

The biggest concern with an eruption the size of Yellowstone is ashfall. The force would shoot ash into the atmosphere up to 30 kilometres high where the easterly jetstream would carry it as far away as Europe within three days.

The volcano would also eject sulphuric acid into the air forming an aerosol that remains in the atmosphere for years, screening out sunlight, causing global temperatures to drop and killing crops for years afterward.

Even 1 millimetre of ash will close airports, cause damage to vehicles and houses, and contaminate water supplies.

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How to Prepare for an Eruption

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Before an Eruption

· Be prepared to take shelter or evacuate and review your plans with family members.

· Pick a safe place to meet.

· Put together an emergency supply kit.

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If you evacuate:

· Tune in the radio or television for volcano updates. If told to evacuate do so. It can be dangerous to wait out an eruption.

· Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.

· Take only essential items. Be sure to pack at least a one-week supply of prescription medications.

· Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.

· If no vehicle is available, make arrangements with friends or family for transportation, or follow authorities’ instructions on where to obtain transportation.

· Turn off the gas, electricity and water.

· Disconnect appliances to reduce likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.

· Follow designation evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic and delays.

Experts say being prepared is key to surviving a natural disaster.

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If you take shelter:

· Keep listening to your radio or watch television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local authorities may evacuate specific areas at greatest risk in your community.

· Close and lock all windows and outside doors.

· Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources. Tape draughty windows.

· Turn off all heating and air conditioning systems and fans.

· Close fireplace and furnace dampers.

· Organize your emergency supplies and make sure all household members know where the supplies are located.

· Fill your clean water containers.

· Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.

· Make sure the radio is working.

· Go to an interior room without windows that is above ground level.

· Ensure pets and livestock have clean food, water and shelter.

· Store all vehicles and machinery in a garage or other shelter.

· Call your emergency contact – a friend or family member who does not live near the volcano – and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition.  Remember that communication services may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.

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During an Eruption

· Don’t panic – stay calm.

· Follow evacuation orders, if issued by authorities.

· Stay indoors.

· Avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano.

· If outside, seek shelter (e.g. car or building).

· Keep doors, windows, dampers and ventilation closed until the ash settles.

· Use a respiratory mask, handkerchief or cloth over your nose and mouth.

· Do not tie up phone lines with non-emergency calls.

· Listen to your local radio for information on the eruption and cleanup plans.

· If there is ash in your water, let it settle and then use the clear water.  Water contaminated by ash will usually make drinking water unpalatable before it presents a health risk.

· You may eat vegetables from the garden, but wash them first.

· Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people and people with access and functional needs.

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After an Eruption

· Go to a designated public shelter if you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home.

· Stay indoors until the ash has settled, unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.

· Keep all heating and air conditioning units and fans turned off, and windows, doors, and fireplace and woodstove dampers closed.

· Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.

· Let family members know you are safe.

· Listen to the radio, watch TV or check the Internet often for official updates and information about air quality, drinking water and road conditions.

· Avoid running vehicle engines. Volcanic ash can clog engines, damage moving parts and stall vehicles.

· Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you need to drive, keep speed down to 50 km per hour or slower.

· Protect yourself from ash by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using goggles and a respiratory mask