Is Yellowstone's Super-Volcano Ready to Blow?

According to seismologists the Yellowstone National Park sits on top of what is called a 'super-volcano.' Hidden under the ground or the oceans, these gigantic geological monstrosities usually can't be seen with the naked eye.

Yet scientists maintain that should one of them blow, such as Yellowstone's, the entire U.S. would be covered with volcanic ash and the climate would change for a period of months--similar in scope to a 'nuclear winter' but not as catastrophic.

Seismologists have been concerned of late about a series of small earthquakes in and around the Yellowstone region, activity that goes hand-in-hand with volcanic activity in those areas that are prone to it.

From December 26 through January 2, over 500 small earthquakes were recorded in the region, some of them reaching a disturbing scale of just over 3.0 in intensity.

However, since January 2, the quakes have drastically decreased in their intensity, though they are still occurring.

While scientists are taking somewhat of a sigh of relief, it is clear that the area still poses some significant risk. Although the explosion of a super-volcano would not mean the end of civilization as would a direct hit by an asteroid, our way of life would be drastically interrupted.

The electronic infrastructure would be seriously impaired or rendered inoperable. The nation would be plunged into a severe winter from which it would find little relief due to the damage sustained to the energy delivery system.

These events, in addition to the possibility of being struck by asteroids or meteors, pose much more of a risk to humanity than 'man-made climate change.'

For more information on the seismic activity at Yellowstone, including today's update, click HERE.