Super-volcanos

There was on the BBC a series of programmes about super volcano's including a thrilling two part drama and a horizon documentary. The drama was based on the facts and went through what could happen before, during and after a super volcano eruption.

This is one of those events in nature that has the potential to really mess up the planet and really disrupt civilisation. The thing is it could happen tomorrow or it could happen in a million years. In that sense it is joins the other events we know about that could give everyone on planet Earth the feeling that Mondays are not really that bad after all.

The last super eruption occurred 74,000 years ago and scientists believe they happen on average ever 50,000 years which would suggest one is overdue.

There are 40 super volcanoes around the world including two in the UK but no need to panic just yet, they like many others burnt out long ago.

Yellowstone (Wyoming, US) is a dormant super volcano and again according to the statistics it seems overdue for an eruption which is where the drama takes over, Yellowstone erupts.

The facts of a super eruption at Yellowstone are incredible, 90% of the population within 1000 km would die mostly from ash which when inhaled into the lungs turns into a cement like mixture. This ash would affect almost the entire continental United States and would even have some effect in Europe. Ash would pollute water supplies, disrupt transport, disrupt electricity and reduce sunlight.

The ash and Sulphur gases released from a super eruption would cool the planet worldwide, temperatures could drop by up to 10 degrees Celsius and that effect could last for up to ten years.

Of course if you live in the US you wont be worrying about global temperature decreases, you will probably be fighting for survival. The authorities will be quickly overwhelmed and civilisation break down will be widespread.

In the drama there is a quick realisation that millions will die because the authorities cant get in there to save them in time. The solution the hero scientist comes up with is that the survivors must start walking and the authorities will drop food packs and head out to meet them.

The drama made good viewing and the scenario outlined was scary, however be reassured that such an event in our lifetimes is extremely remote.