Yellowstone's Most Explosive Eruption: See the Evidence Up Close With a Geologist

Ғылым және технология

Witness Ground Zero of the most explosive eruption at Yellowstone National Park as you venture high above Mammoth Hot Springs near Mt Everts with geology professor Shawn Willsey. Here, we investigate the spectacular contact between Cretaceous marine rocks and the huge accumulation of ash and pyroclastic material from the explosive eruption 2.1 million years ago. GPS location: 44.97485, -110.66425
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Shawn Willsey
College of Southern Idaho
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Twin Falls, ID 83303

Пікірлер: 270

  • @ultrametric9317
    @ultrametric93176 ай бұрын

    Great stuff! You're a rare thing, a KZreadr who does real science instead of BS about time travel and multiverses and all that rot. Have you done a video on the exposed part of the K-Pg boundary? A bucket list item is to go there and get some dirt from it.

  • @hestheMaster
    @hestheMaster6 ай бұрын

    That was one hell of an explosion 2.1 million years ago. Great explanation by a geologist as to what we can see now. Much thanks for showing it Shawn.

  • @grandparocky
    @grandparocky6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for taking us where I can no longer go (at 71) Great views and cool geology talk! Thanks a great deal Shawn!

  • @Riverguide33
    @Riverguide336 ай бұрын

    What an awesome vista, Shawn…and a great location to illustrate past events! Thanks for making the climb! 👍

  • @muzikhed
    @muzikhed6 ай бұрын

    I admire your enthusiasm for geology and adventurist spirit. Thanks for taking us with you and explaining it all.

  • @laural3738
    @laural37386 ай бұрын

    Every hiker should have a Shawn Willsey in his backpack.

  • @shawnwillsey

    @shawnwillsey

    6 ай бұрын

    Ha! Good one.

  • @tricky2917
    @tricky29176 ай бұрын

    It's really fascinating to hear you talk about this like we're right in the middle of a destructive event. Yes, definitely worth the climb. Thank you.

  • @freakdaddy7041
    @freakdaddy70416 ай бұрын

    Thank you for the work on the hike. Seeing it up close gives you a new perspective of the scale of a Yellowstone eruption.

  • @Janer-52
    @Janer-526 ай бұрын

    What a hike! The strata are amazing, and your explanation clear and informative as usual. Rest up, and don't slip on the way down!

  • @davebowles1957
    @davebowles19576 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much, Shawn. Your videos are always amazing to me as well as educational. Keep them coming.

  • @lorrainelanning6016
    @lorrainelanning60166 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your efforts & really clear explanations of events! We're camping in the Tetons & Yellowstone for 2 weeks next fall and this will enrich our experience.

  • @7inrain
    @7inrain6 ай бұрын

    That was another fantastic video into an educational rock sequence. We really do appreciate the stressful hike into this location. Thanks so much.

  • @don_sharon
    @don_sharon6 ай бұрын

    Simply awesome video. As a wanna-be geologist, and someone who loves everything Yellowstone, I really appreciate these videos. Thank you.

  • @sharonseal9150
    @sharonseal91506 ай бұрын

    Yellowstone is one of my favorite locations to visit - thank you for this awesome video taking me to a spot that I could never have visited on my own, and for the thorough and concise explanation of the geology.

  • @jennifershipp2599
    @jennifershipp25996 ай бұрын

    I appreciate your effort and the hike to share what would not be noticed by the average person. Thank you!😊

  • @burningchrome70
    @burningchrome706 ай бұрын

    Thank you for all the effort to get up there! An amazing example of the power and majesty of nature.

  • @sailingonasummerbreeze7892
    @sailingonasummerbreeze78926 ай бұрын

    Thank you for sharing! I have always like geology, had a rock collection as a Kid. Living in Indiana Farm country, I did not have the opportunity to see things such a Yellowstone. Living virtually through your adventures!

  • @rayschoch5882
    @rayschoch58826 ай бұрын

    Scary, boys and girls. A slope that steep makes for what Shawn correctly calls a "sucky" hike, and the cliff itself doesn't appear to be especially sturdy, so the danger of some portion falling off seems very real. Glad that Shawn was willing to take the risk so he could explain what's here, but I would not do this, even if I were decades younger.

  • @ronjlwhite8058
    @ronjlwhite80586 ай бұрын

    Absolutely love the content!!! Thank you for going to places most of us can’t make and then the lesson. You and Myron Cook are both awesome and my “goto” geo guys.

  • @Zandanga
    @Zandanga6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for all of your educational videos, Professor! 👍

  • @shawnwillsey

    @shawnwillsey

    6 ай бұрын

    Much appreciated. Thank you.

  • @TheEarthMaster
    @TheEarthMaster6 ай бұрын

    Sweet. I love looking at the different layers up there.

  • @debramaxfield2043
    @debramaxfield20436 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much Sean that is the most amazing most beautiful thing to see. Your explanations are astonishing to me. Keep up the good work.

  • @dlstanf2
    @dlstanf26 ай бұрын

    I'm a septuagenarian and truly enjoy your videos. I'm still learning and can now better understand some of the geology i come across. Great going.

  • @katf1606
    @katf16066 ай бұрын

    Tysvm for the impressive physical efforts you undertook so we could see for ourselves the amazing geological events that took place so long ago...you are a wonderful Geology Educator!!

  • @shawnwillsey

    @shawnwillsey

    6 ай бұрын

    Much appreciated.

  • @patrickkillilea5225
    @patrickkillilea52256 ай бұрын

    Very interesting, even could say Inspirational. And worth the hike for all of us... Thank you!

  • @Glen.1966..
    @Glen.1966..6 ай бұрын

    Awesome views Shawn! And a great insight to the volcanic activity in this part of Yellowstone national park, really appreciated your effort to be able to do this video. Big thumbs up 👍👍

  • @SynthgodXXX
    @SynthgodXXX6 ай бұрын

    Excellent video! Fantastic geological adventure!

  • @nitawynn9538
    @nitawynn95386 ай бұрын

    Amazing results from the eruption. Truly a super volcano. Thanks for sharing with us.

  • @markday5797
    @markday57976 ай бұрын

    Shawn thank you for bringing us along. Just ordered your books. And looking forward to reading them.

  • @shawnwillsey

    @shawnwillsey

    6 ай бұрын

    Awesome. Enjoy those books.

  • @SkepticalRaptor
    @SkepticalRaptor6 ай бұрын

    Yosemite yesterday and Yellowstone today. Two of the most beautiful parks in the system, and a geologists fantasy with both. Thanks for this and climbing heights that would give me an anxiety attack. 😃

  • @maryt2887
    @maryt28876 ай бұрын

    Thanks for doing the hard work so we can see these amazing geological formations and learn the history behind them. There is so much new vocabulary for me to learn, and only through repetition of watching your videos does it begin to solidify in my mind. Never been to Yellowstone. Any advice on best time to visit and how a 76-year-old eager observer (but not a strong hiker) could make the most of my trip?

  • @alibarron7558

    @alibarron7558

    6 ай бұрын

    If you stay in the park at Yellowstone, you must have reservations from months before hand. It is a very long drive to stay outside of the park, as it is huge and most has a 35 mile per hour speed limit. It is many miles outside of the park to a town large enough for a decent number of rooms. Keep coats, blankets, water and food in your vehicle, as there will be hours drive between locations to purchase. Fill up with gasoline when available, as there are no more stations in many areas. Due to the high elevation, it can be cold in any month. Beware, the main highway can close due to snow and ice in many months of the year. There are really no alternate roads to take. It is beautiful and a wonderful experience. But due to the factors I have mentioned, it becomes very crowded in the summer peak months. From rangers to tourists, all can become testy in the summer rush.

  • @shawnwillsey

    @shawnwillsey

    6 ай бұрын

    I prefer the non summer months to avoid the crowds. My favorite time is winter but you have to ski or snowcoach in. Otherwise, shoot for early October. Cooler weather, but no bugs and fewer people.

  • @mikelouis9389
    @mikelouis93896 ай бұрын

    Yellowstone may be one of the most explosive super volcanoes. Extremely impressive and a mighty fine job of presenting the facts.

  • @jeremiasrobinson
    @jeremiasrobinson6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for working extra hard on this one!

  • @jsel6576
    @jsel65766 ай бұрын

    Very informative! I have a question: what keeps the ashy under layer from collapsing under the weight of the solid layers on top. As soft as it is, what’s keeping it in place?

  • @shawnwillsey
    @shawnwillsey6 ай бұрын

    You can support my educational videos by clicking on the "Thanks" button just above (right of Like button) or by going here: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=EWUSLG3GBS5W8 or here: buymeacoffee.com/shawnwillsey

  • @tammyprice5070
    @tammyprice50706 ай бұрын

    Great information. I'm a geologist in Sheridan Wy. I'm so glad we didn't have to map that mountain for geology field camp. Very cool!

  • @Turtlesews
    @Turtlesews6 ай бұрын

    Love the info. Love seeing what you did on this hike. Love that area and learning things about geology. Thank you.

  • @gailpearson9447
    @gailpearson94476 ай бұрын

    I worked with the Finnish Geological Survey about 30 years ago teaching English and editing their professional articles. One of my favorite memories of looking at a sentence that took up about half a page with a very discriptage profile. I asked the writer ”Where is the verb?” He looked at it carefully and admitted sheepishly there wasnt one.

  • @ptonpc
    @ptonpc6 ай бұрын

    People often (usually) don't understand what shaped their landscape. This looks amazing.

  • @user-ry1br1zd1l
    @user-ry1br1zd1l6 ай бұрын

    Many thanks for making the climb and taking such great video. We appreciate you!

  • @roberthevern6169
    @roberthevern61696 ай бұрын

    Another great post, Prof Willsey! Your use of supporting graphics that remove any chance that we, your 'student audience(?)' could misunderstand you. Clarity is king! Thanks for that. Each post takes me back to my 100 level college course, taught by a professor with such passion for the topic that they will risk life and limb for the edification of their audience! It would be very sad if an accident occurred. That would be a 'sucky' thing! Is that a scientific term? Be careful Professor! Your faithful viewers need you!! And Happy Holidays!

  • @RWBHere
    @RWBHere6 ай бұрын

    The journey back down is almost always the hardest part of a climb. Thanks for making the very worthwhile effort, Shawn. 🙂👍

  • @johnhavens8199
    @johnhavens81996 ай бұрын

    Oh yeah. Now that’s a climb! Great effort Shawn and thanks for taking us up and along with you to this amazing outcrop of geologic history. There is a similar but not nearly as spectacular a show of the first events of the Long Valley eruption in California. It’s on a road cut along Hwy 395 near Tom’s Place, south of Mammoth.

  • @dianespears6057
    @dianespears60576 ай бұрын

    That’s a lot of rock in 9 minutes! What an awesome story. Thank you and thanks for doing all the hiking for us!

  • @terrahmama
    @terrahmama6 ай бұрын

    Thanks Shawn that was a fun episode. I love that area! Excellent effort to get there! 😊

  • @SueFerreira75
    @SueFerreira756 ай бұрын

    Thanks very much for your videos and the trouble you take to get to locations - learn so much from you.

  • @garyonnen7634
    @garyonnen76346 ай бұрын

    Sense where watching this we know you got down safe. Thanks.

  • @dennisdye7270
    @dennisdye72706 ай бұрын

    Thanks for another great video. Very fascinating - great spot to see the exposure. Thanks for the effort. My geology learning is progressing.

  • @jforce91
    @jforce916 ай бұрын

    an awesome feature is the differential erosion too- the partially welded ash and sediments being eroded faster than the ignimbrite/flow tuff, so you get those dramatic overhangs... and lots of rock falls!!

  • @remorrey
    @remorrey6 ай бұрын

    Outstanding explanation Shawn! Thank you for your effort.

  • @jeffreygosselin7576
    @jeffreygosselin75766 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your efforts! Great, informative Geology lesson. 👍

  • @oreallous
    @oreallous6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for hiking up there and letting us see that beautiful stuff

  • @zworm2
    @zworm26 ай бұрын

    Thank you for your effort! Glad you could do it!

  • @TerryBollinger
    @TerryBollinger6 ай бұрын

    Great view and a great dissection of the layers and events! Thanks for the extra effort!

  • @bravendyer9529
    @bravendyer952912 күн бұрын

    It’s time to show my love of what you teach me ! Very cheap way to study ! Thank you 😊

  • @stevew5212
    @stevew52126 ай бұрын

    Good ole Yellowstone sure has given us a whole of of geology.

  • @3xHermes
    @3xHermesАй бұрын

    Thanks for taking us up here to see this great place. Your commentary is great!!

  • @davidk7324
    @davidk73246 ай бұрын

    Outrageously cool. Thanks Shawn.

  • @frankmons4889
    @frankmons48896 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the effort Shawn, much appreciated. 👍

  • @frikartii
    @frikartii6 ай бұрын

    Thank you. As usual, your videos are great to watch.

  • @bottomup12
    @bottomup126 ай бұрын

    Trying to imagine the scene during and after the eruption. Must have desolate, but out of ashes beauty. Thanks for taking us there.

  • @97cliffstuff
    @97cliffstuff6 ай бұрын

    Thanks for hiking up there for us. Really good video.

  • @rickc4317
    @rickc43176 ай бұрын

    Fascinating, thanks, Shawn.

  • @jwardcomo
    @jwardcomo6 ай бұрын

    Fascinating. Thank you!

  • @beyonddivorce8239
    @beyonddivorce82396 ай бұрын

    As you, I always have one eye on the road and another on the rocks. I can only guess at what took place to make the things I see. It's great to have your on the spot instructions. I love it! You're giving me terms to go with my keen eye. Appreciate it. I was in that area last summer.

  • @sherrypeck4062
    @sherrypeck40626 ай бұрын

    Amazingly interesting! Those fabulous layers!

  • @gsmith9531
    @gsmith95316 ай бұрын

    I learned so much! Thank you for making the climb!

  • @pauljames5281
    @pauljames52816 ай бұрын

    Well explained and very interesting. Many thanks. Really enjoying your channel.

  • @judierickson7166
    @judierickson71666 ай бұрын

    Thank You that was absolutely fascinating!

  • @jamiedbg51
    @jamiedbg516 ай бұрын

    Thank you!! That was awesome!

  • @mistypuffs
    @mistypuffs6 ай бұрын

    Really interesting. Thank you for making such an effort 🏆

  • @loisrossi841
    @loisrossi84119 күн бұрын

    There is so much to know about the planet. Thank you.

  • @michaelnancyamsden7410
    @michaelnancyamsden74106 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this awesome view.

  • @RanchoTexano
    @RanchoTexano6 ай бұрын

    Fantastic video! Super informative and educational. Thank you!

  • @JanetClancey
    @JanetClancey3 ай бұрын

    Wow what an impressive view… fantastic location thank you… stunning geology !!!

  • @coltruger2553
    @coltruger25533 ай бұрын

    Fantastic, video and information! Thank you for putting in the effort! I truly enjoyed this video and will now do the same hike myself either this summer or the following. Cheers.

  • @richardlawton1023
    @richardlawton10236 ай бұрын

    Thanks Shawn. Beautiful area.

  • @ThinkBigOnline
    @ThinkBigOnline6 ай бұрын

    Fantastic Shawn

  • @margaretgorski7947
    @margaretgorski79476 ай бұрын

    Thanks Shawn, that was amazing

  • @davekollman2216
    @davekollman22166 ай бұрын

    super cool

  • @calvinhobbs1761
    @calvinhobbs17616 ай бұрын

    Great Video, thanks for risking it in pursuit of knowledge.

  • @bravendyer9529
    @bravendyer9529Ай бұрын

    You are theee one ! Good professors are hard to find. Thank you

  • @chrisl7839
    @chrisl78396 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this! It was interesting, and hope you made it back down safely.

  • @maurasmith-mitsky762
    @maurasmith-mitsky7626 ай бұрын

    Your videos add a lot to my knowledge base. Sincere thanks.

  • @richardkelso9478
    @richardkelso94786 ай бұрын

    Fascinating and awesome. You really are making me miss my home state!

  • @pmm1044
    @pmm10446 ай бұрын

    Really enjoyed this igneous adventure. Thanks!!!

  • @christinedaly2694
    @christinedaly2694Ай бұрын

    Thank you Shawn that was great your country is amazing to see your geography it so interesting

  • @valoriel4464
    @valoriel44646 ай бұрын

    Thx Prof ✌🏻 fascinating video, as always.

  • @bcm658
    @bcm6584 ай бұрын

    Wonderful presentation, you make geology fun and interesting. What an event that must of been.

  • @eagleeye761
    @eagleeye7616 ай бұрын

    That was educational! Excellent Video!

  • @BillSedgwick101
    @BillSedgwick1016 ай бұрын

    Thank you, very informative!

  • @roberthevern6169
    @roberthevern61696 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @terrybouch9483
    @terrybouch94836 ай бұрын

    So much great info Thanks

  • @katymaloney
    @katymaloney6 ай бұрын

    Love how when you type Mount Everts in Google they ask you "Did you mean Mount Everest?", and then you can be like "No, I really meant the lesser known mountain in Wyoming... thanks!" xD

  • @josephholliman6006
    @josephholliman60066 ай бұрын

    Nice work! It would be interesting to see how this compares to the relatively fresh fallout from Mount St. Helens.

  • @MrLaneLove
    @MrLaneLove6 ай бұрын

    Thank you for all your hard work. I learned a lot of the Earth's history. 😊

  • @valbard6596
    @valbard65966 ай бұрын

    Love listening to you and Nick Zentner

  • @edwardlulofs444
    @edwardlulofs4446 ай бұрын

    Great, thank you

  • @rlsmarine
    @rlsmarine6 ай бұрын

    Thank you.

  • @joesample3796
    @joesample37966 ай бұрын

    Love your videos and instruction Shawn!! you've made a geology geek out of me.

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