VOLCANO UPRISING

Did you hear who's awake and causing a commotion? After a 40-year slumber, Hawaii's very own Mauna Loa volcano, the largest active volcano on the planet, recently erupted, spewing out incredible lava flows. The U.S Geological Survey even issued a warning, indicating that things got pretty serious. Fortunately, the eruption seems to have been well controlled, at least for now. However, with volcanoes, it's always best to stay vigilant. Each of these massive eruptions has the potential to disrupt transportation, trade, energy, finance, communication, and even our food and water supply. It's hard to imagine the extent of the impact, right? It would be like playing a giant game of "the floor is lava," except the lava would be real, and winning would be extremely challenging.

But let's not forget that Mauna Loa is not the only volcano that could cause trouble. Did you know that underneath Yellowstone National Park lies one of the world's largest volcanoes, the Yellowstone Caldera? This super volcano has the potential for a significant eruption, but experts say it's not expected to happen anytime soon. Despite claims that Yellowstone is overdue for an eruption because the last one occurred 70,000 years ago, volcanic eruptions don't adhere to timelines. They happen when there's enough magma beneath the surface and sufficient pressure to cause it to rise. Currently, neither of these conditions are present at Yellowstone. Experts closely monitor subterranean activity at Yellowstone using various techniques, including monitoring ground movements, deformations, temperatures, and analyzing gas and water chemistry over time.

While Yellowstone is stable for now and has not shown any unusual seismic activity recently, the aftermath of a major eruption could be severe. Experts predict that a thick layer of ash could cover the surrounding region, disrupting Midwest agriculture for a brief period. The effects could also extend beyond the United States' borders. However, let's not worry about that for now. Yellowstone is a beautiful and exciting place to visit, with its wildlife, geysers, hot springs, and breathtaking views. So, if someone asks you whether Yellowstone's super volcano will erupt soon, you can reassure them that there's no need to worry at the moment.

There are approximately 1,500 active volcanoes on Earth, and while it's true that 10 to 20 volcanoes are erupting every day, the chances of all of them erupting simultaneously are highly unlikely. However, let's imagine for a moment that they did. Would Earth survive? According to some geologists, the answer is a resounding no. The problem with a worldwide volcanic event goes beyond the explosions and lava flows, which are already problematic. It's the ash and volcanic gases that pose additional threats. The ash would block out the sun completely, plunging the planet into darkness and severely affecting photosynthesis in plants. Crops would be destroyed, and temperatures would plummet. But that's not all; the ash would also cause acid rain, further damaging surviving crops and contaminating water sources. The increased acidity in the oceans would harm coral reefs and marine life with hard shells, potentially leading to the extinction of entire fish species. However, there is a small silver lining. Some resilient organisms could survive in highly acidic environments, such as Yellowstone's hot springs or deep-sea areas shielded from the eruption. As for humans, the situation is more complicated. If you have the means, you could build an underground bunker and wait until the atmosphere clears.

Interesting volcanic activity isn't exclusive to America. Have you heard of Katla, the infamous Icelandic volcano? While it has been dormant since 1918, if it were to erupt, things could get incredibly chaotic. Katla is no ordinary volcano; it's predicted to be ten times stronger than its nearby sibling, which caused quite a frenzy in 2010. The ash plume from Katla would reach high into the sky, covering vast areas of Europe for an extended period. Air travel and economic trade would be severely affected, potentially causing challenging times for Europe and even the entire world. However, don't worry just yet; the likelihood of Katla erupting soon is fairly low.

If you're a history buff or a volcano enthusiast, you've surely heard of Mount Vesuvius. On August 24, 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius erupted, destroying the prosperous city of Pompeii and shaking southern Italy and the entire Roman Empire. Fast forward to the 18th century, Pompeii was rediscovered and excavated, revealing valuable insights into ancient Roman life. The volcanic eruption preserved the city's buildings, frescoes, and sculptures, offering a time capsule from the past. We can now study the culture, customs, beliefs, physical characteristics, food, and health of the ancient Romans like never before. Pliny the Younger's detailed eyewitness account of the disaster provided a rare glimpse into the events that unfolded during the eruption. Moreover, the Vesuvius eruption significantly contributed to the field of volcanology and our understanding of natural disasters. The type of volcanic eruption that doomed Pompeii is now known as "Plinian," named after Pliny and his uncle. So, while it was a tragic event for the ancient Romans, its impact on the world is still felt today.

Mount Semeru, the tallest mountain on Java, experienced another eruption in 2022, spewing a massive ash cloud nine miles into the sky and prompting the evacuation of nearly 2,000 people. Roads were closed, and the mountain's view was obscured by volcanic ash. However, this wasn't Semeru's first eruption, as it had erupted a year prior, displacing thousands of people. So, it's better to prioritize safety around this active volcano. Nearby Japanese authorities were initially concerned about a possible tsunami, but fortunately, that didn't occur. Indonesia, with 142 volcanoes, is home to 8.6 million people living within six miles of these volcanoes. That's a significant number! Despite its occasional eruptions, Semeru remains a place that people want to visit. One of its main attractions is a unique purple-colored savannah. During the rainy season, the entire area blooms with beautiful flowers, often mistaken for lavender (but it's actually a type of verbena). If you've been to the area, you'll know how mesmerizing it is.