The Yellowstone Super-Volcano – Nature Continuing to Surprise

I love it when nature surprises us, and she is doing so constantly in this time of change. Within a few days of learning of the remarkable coldness of Antarctica (minus 95 degrees Celsius or less, and akin to temperatures on Mars), scientists meeting in San Francisco today are presenting findings that prove that the super-volcano beneath Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is at least two and a half times larger than previously thought. The research shows that the Yellowstone volcano is about 55 miles long, 20 miles wide, and up to 9 miles deep, extending further to the north-east than had been believed before. The huge volcanic cavern contains 200-600 cubic km of molten rock, and it has been described as “colossal”: even cynical scientists are amazed by the discovery. This may be the biggest volcano ever mapped. It is very active, also, increasingly so, and some people believe an enormous eruption is overdue: the last eruption was 640,000 years ago which, interestingly, was when there was a major shift of consciousness on the Planet which has lasted until now, when a new era of civilisation is beginning for us all. Change is inevitable, but it does not have to be catastrophic, and the fact that Yellowstone is expressing itself loudly does not mean that an explosion is imminent. [caption id="attachment_2258" align="alignright" width="150"] Yellowstone National Park[/caption] However, there is little doubt that at some time in the future the super-volcano will erupt, affecting seriously the North-West and Mid-West areas of America particularly badly, but impacting all of us wherever we are because of the heavy ash cloud which will cause plunging temperatures worldwide as it obscures the sun. It may occur hundreds of years from now, or sooner, but whenever it comes there is nothing we can do to prevent it or to ameliorate its effects except to put in place evacuation measures in the immediate vicinity of the volcano if they are needed. Yellowstone is being monitored constantly for signs of earthquakes – the precursor to an eruption – ground movement and other significant changes in its behavior, and so the world will be warned. But – nature has a way of taking us by surprise and behaving in a way that was not predicted nor expected, and so anything could happen with the Yellowstone volcano, and in the other places where the Earth is active. We are in Gaia’s hands, and there is no point in worrying about our safety in an event that may never happen to us. There is a sense of equanimity about the people who live in Wyoming, near or in the National Park who accept that what will be, will be, and they serve as good examples to all those who whisper about and fear an imminent major catastrophe somewhere in the world. It may happen, it may not, and it may be through the Yellowstone super-volcano, or not – but worry will not prevent it or change it: far better to enjoy life to the full and with gratitude for the joys of being alive and on this wonderful Planet – however surprising, from time to time, it may be.   [byline]]]>