Buzz
A massive carbon well has just been discovered beneath Yellowstone Park, posing a potential threat to the global ecological balance.
Unveiling the Startling Secrets Hidden Beneath Yellowstone's Mesmerizing Beauty
Yellowstone National Park spans nearly 9,000 km² across three U.S. states: Wyoming (96%), northwest Montana (3%), and Idaho (1%).
Yellowstone boasts the largest volcanic system in North America, formed by eruptions dating back hundreds of thousands of years. The park's ecosystem is incredibly diverse, featuring rare and wild species, rugged mountain peaks, hot springs, alpine lakes, making it one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the U.S. Approximately 4 million visitors explore the park each year.
However, scientists have just uncovered a perilous secret hidden beneath the 'super volcano' of Yellowstone.
Geologists at Royal Holloway University used state-of-the-art equipment to explore and discover a colossal molten carbon well deep hundreds of kilometers below the surface. This carbon well could spell disaster for the entire Earth if it escapes.
They state that molten carbon will produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases. If this carbon leaks into the atmosphere, it could have adverse effects on the environment.
The total global atmospheric emissions in 2011 were about 10 billion tons, but the carbon alone beneath Yellowstone Park is more than 10,000 times that amount.
“Dispelling just 1% of the CO2 gas here into the atmosphere is equivalent to burning 2.3 trillion barrels of oil, exceeding the annual oil consumption of the United States by about 325 times,” said Sash Hier-Majumder, research team leader and senior lecturer in geophysics at Royal Holloway University.
However, researchers argue that although carbon will gradually escape through volcanic eruptions, it will not significantly impact the current pace of climate change we are facing.
A recent study indicates that compared to 7,000 years ago, the current Earth's climate change is occurring 170 times faster, primarily due to human activities.
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References: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourFebruary 27, 2017
