Super Volcano : The Ticking Time Bomb Beneath Yellowstone National Park

by Breining, Greg

• ISBN13: 9780760329252
• ISBN10: 0760329257
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-10-15
• Publisher: Motorbooks Intl

Summary

Despite growing evidence of geothermal activity under Yellowstone, it look geologists a long time to realize there was a volcano beneath this wildlife preserve, and an even longer time to find the crater. Ariel photographs revealed this is 45 miles wide, encompassing the whole of Yellowstone! What will happen, in human terms, when it erupts? Greg Breining explores the shocking answers to this question and others in this scientific and accessible look at this enormous disaster brewing beneath one of the world's best-known parks. Historically, Yellowstone has erupted every 600,000 years, but has not done so for 630,000 years, meaning it is 30,000 years overdue - any day now, in geological terms! Yellowstone is one of the worlds five "SuperVolcanoes", and when it erupts the entire world will be affected dramatically and for years! Starting with a scenario of what will happen when Yellowstone blows, this fascinating study describes how volcanoes function and a timeline of famous volcanic eruptions throughout history.

Author Biography

Greg Breining has written several books on the natural world, including Wild Shore, an account of two seasons kayaking around Lake Superior; Minnesota, a travel book in the Compass American Guide series; and Return of the Eagle, the illustrated story of how America saved its national symbol. He also writes essays and articles for The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, National Geographic Adventure, Sports Illustrated, Audubon, Islands, Wildlife Conservation, Minnesota Monthly, and others. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife, Susan Binkley.

Table of Contents

The Big Blast	p. 11
Yellowstone Today	p. 23
Natural Wonders	p. 65
Evolving Geology	p. 87
The Yellowstone Puzzle	p. 107
Distant Death	p. 129
Most-Super Volcanoes	p. 149
The Deadliest Volcanoes	p. 175
The Next Big Blast	p. 227
Glossary	p. 243
References	p. 247
Index	p. 250
About the Author	p. 256
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