Every now and then, we’re reminded that Yellowstone National Park sits atop a gigantic dormant volcano capable of ending the world. This week’s reminder:
The best part is that experts say this was kind of small. Just a vent that got clogged and rained rocks down upon a bunch of tourists, smashing the boardwalk in the process. Per those same experts, we aren’t at any greater risk than usual of Yellowstone erupting and blocking out the sun for days on end. Since we’re on that topic, though…
What’s the plan?
What happens if Yellowstone erupts?
Do we have something in place for that?
Is there something I should be doing to prepare?
The biggest Covid lesson, in my opinion, is that scientists often say, “Hey, this thing could happen,” and then don’t go to the trouble of saying, “So this is what we should do.” If they do say the second part, it doesn’t get through. We knew a global pandemic was possible. It’s been the plot of dozens if not hundreds of games, TV shows, and movies, and not in the fantastical way like a Zombie apocalypse. When it actually happened, we weren’t ready. A bunch of people died, and Uber Eats earnings got way too high. (Made me comfortable. Too comfortable.) Is that going on with Yellowstone too?
Maybe the Yellowstone eruption is like a Zombie apocalypse. Maybe it isn’t really a threat. More likely, it’s somewhere between pandemic and Zombies on the probability scale. But can someone explain whether it is or isn’t? Who is Yellowstone’s actuary?
Also, kind of sad I didn’t know there was a place called Biscuit Basin. I’ve been to Yellowstone twice, and I didn’t realize that. I messed up.
Whoa! 😳