Supervolcano Quiz Pt. 1

When was the last supervolcano eruption?

• 640,000 years ago

• 3.6 million years ago

Answer explanation

The last supervolcano eruption occurred approximately 640,000 years ago at Yellowstone. This is the most recent significant eruption of a supervolcano, making it the correct answer.

How does the supervolcano release pressure on a daily basis?

• by spewing lava and hot ash

• through geysers and hot springs

Answer explanation

Supervolcanoes primarily release pressure through geysers and hot springs, which allow steam and hot water to escape. While they can also emit sulfur aerosols and spew lava, the daily pressure release mainly occurs via geothermal features.

What are hot springs?

• naturally heated waters

• nearby lakes and rivers

Answer explanation

Hot springs are naturally heated waters that emerge from the ground due to geothermal activity. This distinguishes them from other water sources, making 'naturally heated waters' the correct choice.

Who monitors the supervolcano?

• Yellowstone Volcano Observatory

• Washington State Volcano Observatory

Answer explanation

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory is responsible for monitoring the supervolcano at Yellowstone National Park. It conducts research and provides updates on volcanic activity, making it the correct choice.

Which of these is a sign that a volcano may erupt?

• geysers not releasing pressure

• small earthquakes in the area

• few hot springs around

• collapsing crater

Answer explanation

Small earthquakes often indicate magma movement beneath the surface, signaling potential eruptions. A collapsing crater can also suggest instability and increased volcanic activity, making both signs of an impending eruption.

What does sulfur dioxide form after it moves into the stratosphere?

• carbon dioxide

• sulfuric acid aerosols

Answer explanation

When sulfur dioxide enters the stratosphere, it reacts with water vapor to form sulfuric acid aerosols. These aerosols can reflect sunlight and contribute to atmospheric phenomena, making 'sulfuric acid aerosols' the correct answer.

Which statement below is the central idea of the article “Supervolcano: Beneath Yellowstone Park”?

• c. Yellowstone Park is the home of a massive supervolcano beneath the ground.

• b. Yellowstone Park is too dangerous to consider visiting.

Answer explanation

The central idea of the article focuses on the supervolcano located beneath Yellowstone Park, making option c the correct choice. The other options discuss aspects unrelated to the main theme of the article.

Why did the author include details about visiting Yellowstone Park?

• To prove to the reader that the dangers of Yellowstone keep people away.

• To prove to the reader that Yellowstone Park is still a great place to visit.

Answer explanation

The author included details about visiting Yellowstone Park to highlight its appeal and encourage readers to consider it a great destination, emphasizing its beauty and attractions.

Based on information from the article, what most likely caused the volcano to erupt 640,000 years ago?

• Toxic gases beneath the Earth were suddenly released.

• The pressure of the boiling magma beneath the Earth eventually rose to a point of eruption.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that the eruption was caused by the pressure of boiling magma beneath the Earth rising to a critical point, which is a common cause of volcanic eruptions.

Find the text evidence sentence that defines the word caldera.

• A caldera is a large volcanic crater formed when the mouth of the volcano collapses after a major eruption.

• This can cause temporary cooling.

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines 'caldera' as a large volcanic crater formed when the mouth of the volcano collapses after a major eruption, providing a clear and direct definition of the term.