Massive volcanic super-eruptions bigger than those seen at Yellowstone took place between eight and 12 million years ago around Idaho’s Snake River Plain, researchers have discovered. Scientists found evidence of at least 12 giant eruptions at the Yellowstone hotspot at a time of intense magmatic activity – a discovery that could shed light on the current state of the volcanic system.

These massive eruptions are believed to have burned an explosive path from Oregon towards Yellowstone over 16 million years. The findings of the study are published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin. The Yellowstone hotspot is a fixed heat source rising from deep underground. Over millions of years, the North American tectonic plate has moved steadily west, meaning the hotspot has appeared to move towards the north east. READ MORE


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