Super Volcano: The Ticking Time Bomb Beneath Yellowstone National Park

Description

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 as 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.

Greg Breining writes about the environment, adventure, and worldwide travel for "The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, Sports Illustrated, Audubon, "and other publications. His books include "Minnesota Yesterday & Today," "Wild Shore," and Return of the Eagle," among others. Breining lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Bookwormsez "syndicated column, "December 2007 "This book is fascinating and scary all at once and your recipients will gush over it." Review in "Choice", March 1, 2008 (Circ.: 3,050 - Written for librarians. Contains critical, concise reviews of books suitable for college and university library collections) Fascination with Yellowstone grows and grows as we learn more about the history, the present situation, and the inevitable developments in near and distant future time. "Super Volcano "captures the essence, the excitement, and the deep and far-reaching influence of the world's greatest heat anomaly. Sections of this concise and easily readable book include 1) descriptions of volcanic activity, thermal springs, strange ecosystems, and earthquakes; 2) geological uniqueness and comparisons with other volcanic areas; 3) little-known and far-distant effects of Yellowstone eruptions of great relevance to humanity; 4) other super volcanoes in recent geologic time (Yellowstone is the fourth-largest known); and 5) prospects and circumstances of the next big blast from Yellowstone. Breining writes for the layperson with enthusiasm and informality, bringing the subjects to life with copious quotes from naturalists, field leaders, and volcanologists. Yellowstone and other super volcanoes are considered in terms of plate tectonics, evolution of scientific insights into the natural world, and--extremely important and underappreciated--impacts on the history and survival capabilities of humanity. A rare read! Summing Up Highly recommended. All levels. -- "T. L.T. Grose, Colorado School of Mines"