Can a volcanic eruption be more powerful than a nuclear explosion?
Can a volcanic eruption be more powerful than a nuclear explosion?
How much energy in a volcanic eruption? Helens released 24 megatons of thermal energy, 7 of which was a direct result of the blast. This is equivalent to 1,600 times the size of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima” (U.S. Geological Survey). But Mount St.
Can a nuclear bomb cause a volcanic eruption?
The short answer is yes: a nuclear explosion can cause small earthquakes. But it is unlikely to affect the earth’s tectonic plates or cause a volcanic eruption.
How much destructive power does a volcano have?
One study estimates an average of $1 billion per year in property damage worldwide from volcanic eruptions. As with casualties, a few eruptions cause staggering damage, while most are much less destructive. The Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980 caused more than $1 billion worth of damage, mainly to the timber industry.
What if a nuke was dropped on Yellowstone?
In a nuclear attack, the detonation would occur above ground, so the majority of the energy would be released into the air. So in conclusion, nothing would happen and Yellowstone would not erupt if for some reason a nuclear bomb was detonated near the supervolcano.
How strong are the most damaging events of volcanic eruption?
Mt Tambora, Indonesia, 1815 (VEI 7) On 10 April 1815, Tambora erupted sending volcanic ash 40km into the sky. It was the most powerful eruption in 500 years.
How are volcanoes a destructive force?
A volcano that erupts violently can send lava and ash shooting out within seconds. When that lava cools, it hardens into new rock. Destructive forces break down land. The two main forces that break down land slowly are weathering and erosion.
Is Yellowstone about to explode?
Yellowstone is not overdue for an eruption. Even so, the math doesn’t work out for the volcano to be “overdue” for an eruption. 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.