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In reply to the discussion: What the hell is with people's disbelief of science in this country [View all]Rex
(65,616 posts)65. 90,000 years from now it is overdue - still doesn't mean a thing really
http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/yellowstone_sub_page_50.html
Is it true that the next caldera-forming eruption of Yellowstone is overdue?
No. First of all, one cannot present recurrence intervals based on only two values. It would be statistically meaningless. But for those who insist... let's do the arithmetic. The three eruptions occurred 2.1 million, 1.3 million and 0.64 million years ago. The two intervals are thus 0.8 and 0.66 million years, averaging to a 0.73 million-year interval. Again, the last eruption was 0.64 million years ago, implying that we are still about 90,000 years away from the time when we might consider calling Yellowstone overdue for another caldera- forming eruption. Nevertheless, we cannot discount the possibility of another such eruption occurring some time in the future, given Yellowstone's volcanic history and the continued presence of magma beneath the Yellowstone caldera.
It could go tomorrow or it could go off in 100,000 years...nobody can predict based on just two values.
Is it true that the next caldera-forming eruption of Yellowstone is overdue?
No. First of all, one cannot present recurrence intervals based on only two values. It would be statistically meaningless. But for those who insist... let's do the arithmetic. The three eruptions occurred 2.1 million, 1.3 million and 0.64 million years ago. The two intervals are thus 0.8 and 0.66 million years, averaging to a 0.73 million-year interval. Again, the last eruption was 0.64 million years ago, implying that we are still about 90,000 years away from the time when we might consider calling Yellowstone overdue for another caldera- forming eruption. Nevertheless, we cannot discount the possibility of another such eruption occurring some time in the future, given Yellowstone's volcanic history and the continued presence of magma beneath the Yellowstone caldera.
It could go tomorrow or it could go off in 100,000 years...nobody can predict based on just two values.
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What the hell is with people's disbelief of science in this country [View all]
Arcanetrance
Apr 2014
OP
Due to lack of imagination, dearth of empathy, and the inertia of institutionalized ignorance.
greyl
Apr 2014
#134
If she really believes, she could make huge bundle of money w/ put options on area stocks
Bernardo de La Paz
Apr 2014
#52
It would fuck shit up significantly, depending on the size of the eruption.
Warren DeMontague
Apr 2014
#137
The Christians Have Told The Public That Believing In Fairy Tails Will Make Them Wealthy
cantbeserious
Apr 2014
#5
I'm not a religious person, but all of this is as I learned in my youth. What I
RKP5637
Apr 2014
#146
I'd settle for some basic rationality and critical thinking. Science can come later.
arcane1
Apr 2014
#7
A friend of mine did one and ended up in the ER because her body "eliminated toxins faster than it
uppityperson
Apr 2014
#22
Perhaps, however conditions can change, and if they do, such as increased pressures or other
lostincalifornia
Apr 2014
#76
Yellowstone officials say that the buffaloes are moving to new feeding grounds and that indeed they
jwirr
Apr 2014
#25
Sorry about your sister, but you seem to be advising us to not go to hospital. nt
Bernardo de La Paz
Apr 2014
#144
the video with 1 million hits shows buffalo 'trotting' deeper into the park. when herd animals panic
Sunlei
Apr 2014
#39
If people have a choice between rational scientific explanations and end of the world hysteria...
Kablooie
Apr 2014
#49
QUIET YOU! I'm waiting for God to send me some fire so I can cook dinner...
Drew Richards
Apr 2014
#63
I just noticed on the search site for Snopes that the RW thinks it's a tool for Obama?
Frustratedlady
Apr 2014
#79
I've heard people say your car runs better past the junkyard out of fear you'll turn in....
Spitfire of ATJ
Apr 2014
#81
We have become a nation of authoritarians. Many if not most have been raise to trust,
rhett o rick
Apr 2014
#85
Sadly I grew up in Catholic school and i basically started saying that to everyone because
Arcanetrance
Apr 2014
#104
I think where there's despair, people turn to religion excessively, out of fear.
Sarah Ibarruri
Apr 2014
#131
Our society puts up with their stupidity and criminality instead of holding them responsible
Corruption Inc
Apr 2014
#135