Amaizing pics: Aogashima Volcano, Japan pic.twitter.com/TsCqKumy1a — Earth Pics (@earthposts)

Aogashima Volcano, Japan pic.twitter.com/TsCqKumy1a

— Earth Pics (@earthposts) September 12, 2014

this day in the yesteryear: Toxic Gas Erupts from Lake Nyos (1986)

Toxic Gas Erupts from Lake Nyos (1986)

Lake Nyos is a deep lake located in the crater of an inactive volcano in Cameroon. A pocket of magma beneath the lake leaks carbon dioxide (CO2) into the water. In 1986, possibly as the result of a landslide, Lake Nyos suddenly emitted about 1.6 million tons of CO2. Denser than air, the CO2 cloud “hugged” the ground and descended down nearby valleys, suffocating approximately 1,700 people within 16 miles (25 km) of the lake. What methods are being used to prevent future disasters here? More… Discuss

THIS DAY IN THE YESTERYEAR: PARÍCUTIN VOLCANO FORMS IN MEXICAN CORNFIELD (1943)

Parícutin Volcano Forms in Mexican Cornfield (1943)

In one of the most spectacular eruptions of modern times, Parícutin burst forth from a cornfield in the Mexican state of Michoacán 1943 and grew on and off until 1952, when the eruptions finally ceased. During that time, it spewed forth over a billion tons of lava and buried the town of San Juan Parangaricutiro and the village of Parícutin, whence its name. Parícutin’s formation gave scientists a rare opportunity to observe volcanic growth. When do experts expect Parícutin to next erupt? More… Discuss

 

YELLOWSTONE SUPERVNEWS: OLCANO MORE THAN TWICE AS LARGE AS PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT

Yellowstone Supervolcano More than Twice as Large as Previously Thought

The supervolcano that sits beneath America‘sYellowstone National Park and fuels such geothermal wonders as Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs is two and a half times larger than previously estimated. Scientists mapped the magma chamber underneath the Yellowstone caldera by analyzing seismic data and determined that it is 55 miles (88.5 km) long, 18 miles (29 km) wide, and contains 48 to 144 cubic miles (200 to 600 cubic km) of molten rock. If it were to erupt, the damage would be catastrophic and the effects felt worldwide. The supervolcano has erupted just three times in the past 2.1 million years. The last eruption was 640,000 years ago. More… Discuss