Science Focus - the home of BBC Science Focus Magazine
What are supervolcanoes? © Getty Images

What are supervolcanoes?

By
Subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine and get 6 issues for just £9.99

To be classified as a supervolcano it has to reach the highest value of the Volcanic Explosivity Index- but what does that mean?

Asked by: Eric Lee, London

Advertisement

These are volcanoes with a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8 that throw out more than 1000km cubed of material. By comparison, the 1980 eruption of Mount St Helens released 2.8km cubed. The last known supervolcano eruption was in New Zealand, 26,500 years ago; the last but one, 75,000 years ago, wiped out 60 per cent of the global human population.

Advertisement

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.

Authors

luis villazon
Luis VillazonQ&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
BBC Science Focus Magazine subscription offer

Subscription offer

Subscribe and save 50% on the shop price. Pay just £16.50 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.

SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement

Sponsored content