How can we tell when a volcano will erupt?

• An increase in the frequency and intensity of felt earthquakes.
• Noticeable steaming or fumarolic activity and new or enlarged areas of hot ground.
• Subtle swelling of the ground surface.
• Small changes in heat flow.
• Changes in the composition or relative abundances of fumarolic gases.

There are many examples of volcanoes which show some sign of renewed danger and then erupt within an hour, though more commonly, within one day. Most eruptions last hours but some continue for weeks and months.

Volcanic eruptions occur only in certain places and do not occur randomly. This is because the Earth’s crust is broken into a series of slabs known as tectonic plates. Most volcanoes are found along a belt, called the “Ring of Fire” that encircles the Pacific Ocean.

Precursors to volcanic eruptions include strong earthquake swarms and rapid ground deformation and typically take place days to weeks before an actual eruption. Scientists at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) closely monitor the Yellowstone region for such precursors.

In terms of large explosions, Yellowstone has experienced three at 2.08, 1.3, and 0.631 million years ago. This comes out to an average of about 725,000 years between eruptions. Although another catastrophic eruption at Yellowstone is possible, scientists are not convinced that one will ever happen.

If a volcano has erupted since the last Ice Age—in the last 10,000 years or so—and is still showing activity like lava and ash flows or gas emissions, it’s considered to be active. If a volcano hasn’t erupted in the last 10,000 years, but scientists think it will erupt again, it’s considered dormant.

The safe distance from an active volcano is generally 5kms or more but you should check for the latest CDEM information. Beyond this distance the major hazards will be ashfall and volcanic gas. Breathing in small amounts of ash particles infrequently may only cause discomfort rather than pose a health hazard.

Is Yellowstone’s volcano still active? Yes. The park’s many hydrothermal features attest to the heat still beneath this area. Earthquakes—700 to 3,000 per year— also reveal activity below ground.

three years

If inhaled, volcanic ash can cause breathing problems and damage the lungs. Inhaling large amounts of ash and volcanic gases can cause a person to suffocate. Suffocation is the most common cause of death from a volcano.

In some eruptions, ash particles can be so fine that they are breathed deep into the lungs. With high exposure, even healthy individuals will experience chest discomfort with increased coughing and irritation. Common short-term symptoms include: Nasal irritation and discharge (runny nose).

Inhalation of volcanic ash can be very detrimental to human health, due to the harmful aerosols and poisonous gases the ash is made up of. Health effects inlcude respiratory problems, eye problems, and skin irritiation. One long-term effect of volcanic ash is silicosis.

Impacts of Ashfall on Health, Business and Infrastructure Volcanic ash is abrasive, making it an irritant to eyes and lungs. Ashfall can cause minor to major damage to vehicles and buildings, contaminate water supplies, disrupt sewage and electrical systems, and damage or kill vegetation.