What is the volcanic explosivity index vei of a Yellowstone super eruption?
Regional Specifics88, the largest recorded value on the index. What is the VEI of Yellowstone? Explosivity (Volcanic Explosivity Index) – 8. Top of the scale – Yellowstone has had three of the largest eruptions known over the past 3 million years; only beaten by Toba in Indonesia, which erupted about 74,000 years ago. Each of these
What are the three main types of sedimentary rocks?
Regional SpecificsDigging into Earth’s Past: The Amazing World of Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks are everywhere! Seriously, they cover almost three-quarters of the Earth’s land surface. Think of them as nature’s history books, layered with clues about ancient environments, past climates, and even the long, winding road of evolution. These rocks, formed from the build-up and cementing
What is a quartz geode?
Regional SpecificsCracking Open Nature’s Treasure Chest: Quartz Geodes Explained Ever stumble upon a plain-looking rock that just begs to be cracked open? That might just be a geode, and if you’re lucky, a quartz geode at that! These aren’t your average rocks; they’re like nature’s little treasure chests, often hiding a dazzling interior of sparkling quartz
Did Monterey just have an earthquake?
Regional SpecificsDid Monterey Just Get Shaken Up? Let’s Talk Earthquakes So, has Monterey just had an earthquake? Well, as of today, August 12, 2025, things have been a little shaky, but not in a “the big one” kind of way. There’s been some recent seismic activity around Monterey County, and it’s always good to keep an
Why is magma formed from partial melting?
Regional SpecificsWhy Magma’s Not Just a Total Meltdown: The Secret of Partial Melting Ever wondered how that fiery stuff we call magma comes to be? You might picture the Earth’s insides as one giant molten soup, but the reality is far more nuanced. It turns out that magma rarely forms from rocks completely melting. Instead, it’s
What is the definition of a parent rock?
Natural EnvironmentsDecoding the Parent Rock: A Geologist’s Guide (Humanized Edition) Okay, so rocks. We see them everywhere, right? But they’re not just sitting there looking pretty. They’re actually dynamic records, whispering tales of Earth’s crazy, ever-changing history. And a key piece of understanding these rocky narratives? The “parent rock.” So, what is this “parent rock” thing,