• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Scientists share concerns over US supervolcano that could cause 'civilization-ending eruption'

Home> News> US News

Published 13:06 15 Apr 2024 GMT+1

Scientists share concerns over US supervolcano that could cause 'civilization-ending eruption'

The Long Valley Caldera is one of only around 20 supervolcanoes in the world

Emily Brown

Emily Brown

Scientists have shared their thoughts on a huge supervolcano in the US that has seen an uptick in activity.

Located in eastern California, the Long Valley volcano is one of only about 20 supervolcanoes in the entire world.

Unlike world-saving superheroes, 'supervolcanoes' are actually all about destruction as the term relates to volcanoes which have at one point erupted more than 240 cubic miles of material.

Advert

The Long Valley Caldera stretches for miles. (George Rose/Getty Images)
The Long Valley Caldera stretches for miles. (George Rose/Getty Images)

Long Valley formed about 760,000 years ago with a 'super-eruption', when hot ash settled to become what's known as a caldera.

Rather than the mountain-shaped volcanoes we typically picture, caldera are characterized by sprawling depressions. The Long Valley Caldera is 20 miles long, 11 miles wide and approximately 3,000 feet deep - so it's no surprise that it could do some damage if it erupted.

Thankfully the volcano hasn't released another super-eruption at the level that formed it, but scientists have become concerned in recent decades after Long Valley saw an uptick in earthquake activity in the 1980s.

Researchers have noted creeks and hot springs that appear to be coming to life at the Long Valley Caldera, which could be an indication that something could be about to blow beneath the surface.

Advert

Discussing the impacts of a potential eruption, Michael Poland, a geophysicist at the US Geological Survey, told NBC News that when it comes to supervolcanoes, 'the first thing people think is that there’s going to be a civilization-ending eruption'.

While an eruption at Long Valley wouldn't take out the entire civilization of the planet, an eruption of more than 240 cubic miles of material would be enough to cover California's 163,696 square miles.

There has been an uptick in activity in recent decades. (George Rose/Getty Images)
There has been an uptick in activity in recent decades. (George Rose/Getty Images)

However, while Poland acknowledged that you 'can have an impactful explosion' at volcanos like Long Valley, 'the vast majority are smaller eruptions with less explosive lava flows'.

Advert

In 2017, scientist Rob Nelson, discussed what he described as 'alarming signs of possible volcanic activity' at Long Valley.

"There are clues pointing towards an imminent eruption scattered throughout this valley — the site of the second largest explosive volcanic eruption in North America," he said at the time.

Thankfully those signs haven't resulted in an eruption yet, and in 2023 research scientist Ettore Biondi and his team did some research to try and understand the activity in Long Valley.

An eruption could have huge impacts. (Getty Stock Photo)
An eruption could have huge impacts. (Getty Stock Photo)

Advert

Using fiber-optic cables to gather acousting sensing data, the researchers found that a solid rock structure appears to be covering the magma chamber at Long Valley.

While an eruption still can't be ruled out completely, the researchers noted that the structure could be preventing big eruptions from occurring.

Per NBC News, Biondi said: “That doesn’t imply that you can’t have smaller eruptions, but from a supervolcanic eruption perspective, I think as of now we are on the safe side."

Featured Image Credit: Garry Lotulung/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Topics: Volcano, Science, US News

Emily Brown
Emily Brown

Emily Brown is UNILAD Editorial Lead at LADbible Group. She first began delivering news when she was just 11 years old - with a paper route - before graduating with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University. Emily joined UNILAD in 2018 to cover breaking news, trending stories and longer form features. She went on to become Community Desk Lead, commissioning and writing human interest stories from across the globe, before moving to the role of Editorial Lead. Emily now works alongside the UNILAD Editor to ensure the page delivers accurate, interesting and high quality content.

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Experts issue major warning for 'mega-tsunami' that could hit parts of the US
  • Doctors share major health warning over common kitchen error that could cause dementia
  • Experts issue urgent warning against popular new tanning 'drug' that could cause brain swelling and cancer
  • Horrifying study reveals daily habit that millions of people do every day could cause brains to shrink

Choose your content:

an hour ago
13 hours ago
14 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Male escort alleges disturbing details of what happened at Diddy's 'freak off' parties during trial

    The male escort claimed he had multiple encounters with Diddy and Cassie

    News
  • 13 hours ago

    Former FBI agent reveals quick thinking trick he pulled off to stop his own murder

    Scott Payne had to think on his feet to escape an undercover mission with his life

    News
  • 14 hours ago

    Ingredient found in Ziploc freezer bags could have harmful effects on body, shocking new lawsuit claims

    A Ziploc spokesperson has stated its products are 'safe when used as directed and that the lawsuit is without merit'

    News
  • 14 hours ago

    Woman, 27, found alive after 3 weeks missing in mountains details how she survived

    Officials said it was a 'miracle' Tiffany Slaton survived her ordeal

    News