Open AccessDrilling Into the Track of the Yellowstone Hot Spot
Author(s) -
Shervais John W.,
Evans James P.,
Schmitt Douglas R.,
Christiansen Eric H.,
Prokopenko Alexander
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1002/2014eo100001
Subject(s) - geology , volcano , hot spot (computer programming) , period (music) , atmosphere (unit) , earth science , physical geography , paleontology , geography , meteorology , physics , computer science , acoustics , operating system
The Yellowstone supervolcano erupted roughly 640,000 years ago, covering much of North America in a thick coat of ash. Material ejected from the volcano devastated the surrounding area, and particles injected into the atmosphere changed the Earth's climate. Over the past 18 million years the Yellowstone hot spot has powered a series of similar eruptions. In southern Idaho, the 640‐kilometer‐long Snake River Plain traces the path of the Yellowstone hot spot over this period.