YELLOWSTONE is showing signs of activity again after hundreds of mini earthquakes have been detected in the last month, sparking fears an eruption could be imminent.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) and Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said: “During February 2018, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, responsible for the operation and analysis of the Yellowstone Seismic Network, located 569 earthquakes in the Yellowstone National Park region.
“The largest event was a minor earthquake of magnitude 3.1 located about eight miles northeast of West Yellowstone, Montana, on February 18 at 8.29am MST (2.29pm GMT).
“This swarm activity, which took place about 13 km (8 miles) northeast of West Yellowstone, MT, near where last year's Maple Creek swarm occurred, includes three earthquakes in the magnitude 3 range and 72 in the magnitude 2 range.
“Earthquake sequences like these are common and account for roughly 50 percent of the total seismicity in the Yellowstone region.
“Yellowstone earthquake activity is currently at elevated levels compared with typical background activity.”
Meanwhile social media has been abuzz over the increased seismic activity.
However American meteorologist Tom Skilling believes Yellowstone will not erupt in the “foreseeable future”.
Mr Skilling said: “Geysers and other thermal features of Yellowstone National Park offer proof that the volcano – actually, it’s a super volcano because of the amount of material ejected is indeed still active.
During February 2018 the University of Utah Seismograph Stations... located 569 earthquakes in the Yellowstone National Park region
“Minor earthquakes occur in the Yellowstone area 50 or more times per week, but a major eruption is not expected in the foreseeable future.”
The latest updated issued by the USGS and the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory earlier has kept its eruption alert at normal despite hundred of earthquakes striking near the super volcano.
By express.co.uk
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