TED-ED: The colossal consequences of supervolcanoes - Alex Gendler

The video discusses the 1816 'Year Without a Summer,' caused by the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora, a supervolcano. This eruption led to global climate anomalies, crop failures, and societal unrest. Historical eruptions like Huaynaputina and others have also had significant impacts, including famines and civilization collapses. The video explains the dangers of explosive calderas, such as the one under Yellowstone, and the challenges in predicting and mitigating supervolcano eruptions. Despite current monitoring efforts, the potential for a civilization-ending eruption remains a concern.

What unusual weather phenomenon occurred in 1816, leading to widespread societal impacts?

• A year of hurricanes

• A year without a summer

• A year of extreme heat

• A year of constant rain

What was the primary cause of the climate anomalies in 1816?

• A solar eclipse

• The eruption of Mount Tambora

• A meteor strike

• A massive earthquake

Which of the following is a characteristic of a supervolcano?

• Causes only local damage

• Releases a large volume of material

• Has a small magma chamber

• Erupts frequently

What is an explosive caldera?

• A type of storm

• A large ocean wave

• A type of earthquake

• A collapsed volcanic mountain

Where is one of the largest active volcanic calderas located?

• Mount Everest

• Yellowstone National Park

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Sahara Desert