2.a Super volcanoes

Question 1

Define the term super volcano

Answer 1

Areas where the sheer volume of magma calculated to exist below the crust is enough to cause a cataclysmic eruption which could cause devastating impact globally.

Question 2

what two things are likely to happen as an eruption of a super volcano?

Answer 2

Any eruption is likely to have
Volcanic eruption
Basaltic flood
Has the potential to extinct all life forms globally but has a low frequency

Question 3

Characteristics of a supervolcano

Answer 3

• Potent and dangerous / invisible - only clearly visible from space / large , flat collapsed calderas

Question 4

Where are super volcanos found?

Answer 4

Indonesia /New Zealand and North/ South America

Question 5

Approximately how often do supervolcanos erupt?

Answer 5

10,000s of years

Question 6

Case study example - yellowstone

Answer 6

Has the largest supervolcano
* It is a tourist attraction
* Volcanic activity began 2 million years ago when a caldera formed
* Two eruptions since taken place 1.3 mil years ago and 640k yrs ago
* During last eruption ash spread over hal N america → Tiny particulates travelled globally causing global decrease in temperature

Question 7

social impacts of eruptions

Answer 7

Impacts health from inhalation of ash

80,000 deaths would be caused in America - 90% mortality within 10,000 sq km (yellowstone)

Asch affecting transport and infrastructure

Question 8

Economic impacts

Answer 8

Stops grounding of aircraft

Loss of homes

cost of damage

Question 9

environmental

Answer 9

Cloud of volcanic ash - prevents photosynthesis

Eruption size of hiroshima bombs 1,000 per second

Heavier rainfall will cause flooding - affecting the water cycle