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The Yellowstone Supervolcan rests in the northwestern corner of the United States, where it has erupted three times in the past. The three caldera formation eruptions shaped the landscape around Yellowstone and covered the land with volcanic debris, ashes and smoke. The last Yellowstone eruption took place about 640,000 years ago, forming the current characteristics of the Yellowstone Caldera. Geologists can not predict when another explosion of this type will occur, but if it matches past eruptions, the results would be cataclysmic.
Jake Lowenstern, a geologist previously responsible for the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO), said that another super-eruption could be devastating, although the chances of this happening are minimal.
The Yellowstone volcano is being monitored by YVO, a branch of the US Geological Survey (USGS), looking for worrying signs of activity.
The USGS tracks all seismic and hydrothermal movements in order to dig up the volcano's eruption potential.
Unfortunately, even the most sophisticated geological instruments can not predict when a volcano will go out.
READ MORE: USGS reveals the terrifying chances of a major eruption in our lives
There is currently no imminent or long-term sign that the volcano is acting out of the ordinary.
Should the Yellowstone Supervisolcan explode in the near future, the explosion would be preceded by intense and very obvious seismic activity.
Dr. Lowenstern said: "Trying to serve as a source of public information on this topic is clearly a winning solution.
"Yes, these kinds of events happen somewhere on the Earth every few tens of thousands of years and, yes, if that happens again, it could be devastating for society.
READ MORE: The eruption of the Yellowstone volcano could trigger a volcanic winter and cause famine MASS
"But no, there is a slight chance that Yellowstone will break out this century and we do not hide the evidence to the contrary. Move on."
According to the USGS, the next big explosion in Yellowstone is probably a hydrothermal explosion, not an eruption.
But all the news regarding Yellowstone is not bad and Dr. Lowenstern, who left his position at the YVO in 2018, said he has many memories of his 15 years spent in the National Park.
Writing for the YVO Caldera Chronicles weekly column, the geologist shared the five things he missed most about Yellowstone.
READ MORE: Yellowstone scientists at 'TIPPING POINT' reveal critical study
Among his most cherished memories are his excursions into the wilderness, landscape and diverse wildlife of Yellowstone.
Dr. Lowenstern said, "Geysers. Where can you work in a place with geysers?
"However, Steamboat Geyser only erupted six times during my tenure, only two of them in the last eleven years. In any case, Steamboat Geyser only erupted six times during my tenure, only two of them in the last eleven years – after 2006.
"With 68 eruptions – and that counts – from 2018 to 2019, I'm starting to take it personally."
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