Hidden Yellowstone: The Sleeping Giant Beneath America That Threatens the Planet

3rd March 2025

2 minutes read

Hidden Yellowstone: The Sleeping Giant Beneath America That Threatens the Planet

The Yellowstone supervolcano, lying beneath Yellowstone National Park in the United States, represents one of the greatest potential natural threats to the planet.

The History of Yellowstone Volcano

Formed over 640,000 years ago, this volcano contains a massive magma reservoir capable of releasing energy more than 100 times greater than the infamous Krakatoa eruption of 1883. Although no eruption of this magnitude has been recorded in modern times, scientists are using artificial intelligence to simulate possible scenarios should it awaken.

Eruption Simulation: A Terrifying Nightmare

According to the latest research, a Yellowstone eruption would begin with a massive explosion equivalent to 875,000 megatons of TNT—more than 100 times the power of all nuclear bombs ever dropped. This explosion would create a gigantic crater, instantly killing an estimated 90,000 people and sending lava flows up to 64 kilometers around the volcano.

However, the greatest threat would not come from lava but from dense volcanic ash and toxic gases that would spread at an astonishing speed, causing widespread destruction in the surrounding areas. Estimates suggest that cities within an 80-kilometer radius, such as West Yellowstone, would be completely wiped out, much like Pompeii during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Catastrophic Global Consequences

The devastation would not be limited to the United States. Massive volcanic ash clouds would block sunlight, potentially triggering a volcanic winter that could lower global temperatures by 5°C, or even 10°C in the first year after the eruption, according to some estimates.

Additionally, the spread of volcanic ash over 1,500 kilometers would cover major cities like Los Angeles and Miami, and could even reach London. This ash would damage buildings, infrastructure, and agricultural crops, leading to global food shortages and economic turmoil.

Is an Eruption Near?

Despite this apocalyptic scenario, there is no concrete evidence that Yellowstone is on the verge of erupting. However, geologists closely monitor seismic activity in the region to detect any warning signs that could indicate an impending disaster.