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Blue Dot: The real science of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory

Geyser eruption in Yellowstone N.P.
USGS
Geyser eruption in Yellowstone N.P.

Host Dave Schlom is joined by Michael Poland, Scientist in Charge of the United States Geological Survey's Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

Dave and Michael break down the eruptive history of Yellowstone, its tectonic setting, and potential hazards for future eruptions. Separating fact from the sensationalism you may see online or on cable TV, Dr. Poland explains how the USGS is monitoring the caldera's magma chamber and the amazing inner workings of its vast hydrothermal systems, which produce the greatest number of geysers found on Earth.

Yes, it is a super volcano, but no, it's not likely to unleash an apocalypse any time soon. It is however, beautiful, mysterious and fascinating!

Dave Schlom is the longtime host and creator of Blue Dot. From surfing to Voyager in interstellar space, rock guitar to orcas in our imperiled oceans, the topics on Blue Dot are as varied as the host’s interests and connections -- which are pretty limitless! An internationally respected space history journalist, Dave is also deeply fascinated by all aspects of the grand workings of nature’s awesome machinery on scales ranging from galactic to subatomic. And topics take in all aspects of the arts and sciences.
Matt Fidler is a producer and sound designer with over 15 years’ experience producing nationally distributed public radio programs. He has worked for shows such as Freakonomics Radio, Selected Shorts, Studio 360, The New Yorker Radio Hour and The Takeaway. In 2017, Matt launched the language podcast Very Bad Words, hitting the #28 spot in the iTunes podcast charts.