Yellowstone behaving oddly

  • Thread starter SixNein
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In summary, the Yellowstone National Park has been having an odd activity in the last two years with earthquakes and a possible new swarm. The activity has shifted eastward and may be due to geothermal activity.
  • #1

SixNein

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I have been watching Yellowstone off an on for years. In the last 2 years, Yellowstone has been behaving oddly (Well.. Yellowstone has always been a bit odd... perhaps odder?).

There was a pretty major swarm of earthquakes near one of the domes about 2 years ago, and they were fairly energetic. 24 months later (this year), Yellowstone had another large swarm. And I was just looking at the seismograph, and Yellowstone has quite a few strong earthquakes again in a possible new swarm:

http://www.quake.utah.edu/req2webdir/recenteqs/Maps/111-45.html

Anyone know the cause? Hydrothermal maybe?
 
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  • #2


Probably geothermal. The caldera under Yellowstone seems to be moving. I was there within the last 10 years, and thermal vents I had seen on the west side of the park more than 35 years ago were dry or relatively cold. The activity has shifted eastward.

Yellowstone seems relatively quiet as compared to Mt. St. Helens, So California, parts of the Cascades, Hawaii, the Aleutian Island, Indonesia, the borders of the Pacific Plate (which interact with the Australia, Philippine, and Asia Plates.
 
  • #3


Astronuc said:
Probably geothermal. The caldera under Yellowstone seems to be moving. I was there within the last 10 years, and thermal vents I had seen on the west side of the park more than 35 years ago were dry or relatively cold. The activity has shifted eastward.

Yellowstone seems relatively quiet as compared to Mt. St. Helens, So California, parts of the Cascades, Hawaii, the Aleutian Island, Indonesia, the borders of the Pacific Plate (which interact with the Australia, Philippine, and Asia Plates.

There has been uplift in yellowstone, but it has slowed down some in the last few years. I'm not sure if the recent activity is magmatic or not. But these swarms are getting to be quite frequent, so something is changing.

Some of those volcanoes are different from Yellowstone. Hawaii would be the best example, but its currently active. I don't have a clue what Yellowstone would look like going active, but I bet it would be an attention getter lol. Probably would be a swarm of 9's or something.
 

What does it mean when Yellowstone is behaving oddly?

Yellowstone behaving oddly can refer to a variety of things, such as unusual seismic activity, changes in the geothermal features, or unexpected animal behavior. It is important to carefully analyze the specific behavior in question to determine the cause and potential implications.

Is there a connection between Yellowstone behaving oddly and an eruption?

While any unusual activity at Yellowstone can be cause for concern, it is important to note that there is currently no scientific evidence that suggests an eruption is imminent. The park is constantly monitored by scientists and any changes are carefully studied and assessed.

What factors can contribute to Yellowstone behaving oddly?

Yellowstone is a dynamic and complex system, and there are many factors that can contribute to unusual behavior. These can include changes in temperature, water levels, and tectonic activity. It is also important to consider human impact and climate change as potential contributing factors.

How do scientists monitor Yellowstone's behavior?

Scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to monitor Yellowstone's behavior, including seismometers, GPS, and satellite imagery. They also conduct regular field surveys to track changes in the park's geothermal features and wildlife. This data is constantly analyzed to better understand the complex system of Yellowstone.

What should we do if Yellowstone continues to behave oddly?

If you notice any unusual behavior at Yellowstone, it is important to report it to park rangers or officials. It is also important to follow all safety guidelines and instructions given by park officials. It is natural for the park to have periods of unusual behavior, and scientists are constantly monitoring and evaluating the situation to ensure the safety of visitors and the park's ecosystem.

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