LIKE A SILENTLY RISING VOLCANO – SUPERVOLCANOES AND THE RISK OF GLOBAL CATASTROPHE

INTRODUCTION

Geological changes occurring on the Earth’s surface possess a power strong enough to alter the course of history. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions are just a few of these natural forces. Among them, however, there exists a particularly dangerous phenomenon: supervolcanoes. Unlike ordinary volcanoes, supervolcano eruptions are so destructive that they can impact global climate, agriculture, and the very survival of humanity. This article explores the concept of supervolcanoes, how they form, where they are located, and their potential for global catastrophe.

I. WHAT IS A SUPERVOLCANO?

A supervolcano is a geological formation with eruption power far greater and more destructive than that of regular volcanoes. Scientifically, they are classified as level 8 or higher on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) and are capable of ejecting thousands of cubic kilometers of lava, ash, and gases in a single event.

Key distinguishing features:

• Eruptions can trigger global climate change.

• They have silent and prolonged dormant periods, which is why they are often referred to as “silent killers.”

• They leave behind large surface depressions called calderas.

II. HISTORIC SUPERVOLCANO ERUPTIONS

1. Toba (Indonesia), ~74,000 years ago

• Nearly caused a genetic bottleneck in humanity.

• Released 2,800 km³ of ash into the atmosphere.

• Resulted in a 3–5°C drop in global temperature, leading to a near ice age.

2. Yellowstone (USA), ~640,000 years ago

• Ejected nearly 1,000 km³ of material.

• Formed a 70 km wide caldera.

• Life in North America was temporarily paralyzed.

3. Taupo (New Zealand), ~26,500 years ago

• One of the most powerful known eruptions.

• Altered the climate of the South Pacific; ash spread as far as Asia.

III. POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SUPERVOLCANOES

Several supervolcanoes around the world are currently in a “dormant” state:

• Yellowstone (USA) – Seismic activity continues; scientists monitor it regularly.

• Campi Flegrei (Italy) – Located near Naples, showing increasing signs of activity.

• Aira Caldera (Japan) – Dangerous due to its proximity to densely populated areas.

• Taupo (New Zealand) – Monitoring of activity levels is ongoing.

• Long Valley Caldera (California, USA) – Shows geothermal activity and thousands of small earthquakes have been recorded.

IV. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF A SUPERVOLCANO?

• Global cooling – Ash and aerosols block sunlight, altering the climate.

• Collapse of agriculture – “Volcanic winter” conditions can halt crop production.

• Paralysis of transportation and aviation – Ash clouds can completely shut down air travel.

• Social and economic collapse – Food shortages, energy crises, mass migrations.

• Health crises – Airborne microparticles can cause severe respiratory issues.

V. MODERN RESEARCH AND MONITORING

Scientists constantly monitor supervolcanoes using artificial satellites, seismometers, GPS measurements, and gas analyses.

• NASA is working on theoretical projects to cool Yellowstone.

• US Geological Survey (USGS) has developed real-time monitoring and risk assessment systems.

• European Geophysical Networks are actively engaged in seismic zones like Italy and Greece.

However, no technology today can precisely predict the timing of a supervolcano eruption – this remains one of science's unsolved mysteries.

VI. SUPERVOLCANO POLICY – IS PREPARATION POSSIBLE?

There are currently no serious global plans addressing the risk of supervolcanoes. While some countries have included volcanic eruption risks in their national disaster plans, an event on the scale of a supervolcano would:

• Create a crisis beyond national borders;

• Threaten to collapse global food and energy markets;

• Demand international cooperation.

What is needed to be prepared?

• Global sharing of scientific data;

• Expansion of international monitoring networks;

• Development of alternative food systems and climate-resilient agriculture models;

• Creation of global emergency aid funds.

CONCLUSION

Supervolcanoes are silent yet possess unparalleled power. Even in an age when humanity boasts of its technological achievements, they remind us of nature’s overwhelming and uncontrollable force. Their eruptions are rare — but when they happen, they rewrite history.

Being prepared for this risk is not just a scientific duty — it is a human responsibility.

QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK

• Do you think humanity is prepared for the threat of supervolcanoes?

• Is current technology enough to prevent their eruptions, or should we focus on adaptation?

• What level of public awareness exists about this silent danger? What did you know before reading this?

• Share your thoughts: If a supervolcano erupted tomorrow, what would be the first thing you would do?