Yellowstone National Park is closely monitored for earthquake and supervolcano activity by the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO), a consortium of nine state and federal agencies. This blog post will provide you with the current alert status and the key indicators that could suggest an impending eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano.
Current Alert Status
The current Volcano Alert Level for Yellowstone National Park is NORMAL, and the current Aviation Color Code is GREEN, indicating that there is no sign of increased volcanic unrest.
Indicators of an Impending Eruption
Earthquake Activity
- Yellowstone experiences frequent earthquakes, with approximately 700 to 3,000 earthquakes occurring each year, most of which are not felt.
- Earthquake swarms are common, with the largest swarm occurring in 1985, involving over 3,000 earthquakes in three months.
- Recent seismicity includes a swarm of 29 earthquakes from June 6 to 9, 2024, located about 9 miles north-northeast of West Yellowstone, Montana.
Ground Deformation
- The Yellowstone caldera has been subsiding at a rate of about an inch per year since 2015, with minor seasonal variations due to snowmelt and groundwater conditions.
Hydrothermal Activity
- Steamboat Geyser, the tallest active geyser in the world, had eight eruptions in 2023, with ongoing minor activity suggesting a possible major eruption in the near future.
- Giant Geyser erupted for the first time since 2019, indicating continued hydrothermal activity.
Monitoring and Updates
- The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) provides regular updates on volcanic and earthquake activity in the Yellowstone National Park region.
- The University of Utah Seismograph Stations, part of the Yellowstone Seismic Network, continuously monitor and analyze seismic data.
- The YVO conducts field work, including maintenance of monitoring equipment and geologic mapping, to better understand the volcanic system.
Additional Resources
- Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO): Provides timely monitoring and hazard assessment of volcanic, hydrothermal, and earthquake activity in the Yellowstone Plateau region.
- USGS Volcano Hazards Program: Assesses and forecasts volcanic hazards to prepare for potential eruptions.
- National Park Service (NPS): Offers information on earthquakes and geothermal activity within Yellowstone National Park.
Reference Links
- https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/yvo
- https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/yellowstone-overdue-eruption-when-will-yellowstone-erupt
- https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/volcano/wy1
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFTDKU3be8Y
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/earthquakes.htm
Yellowstone National Park is a unique and dynamic geological wonder, and it’s essential for visitors to stay informed about the potential risks associated with its volcanic and seismic activity. By understanding the current alert status and monitoring the key indicators, you can plan your visit to Yellowstone with confidence and enjoy the park’s breathtaking natural beauty safely.