General Chat

Did anyone watch the dramatisation of likely events if the volcano blows its top? I didn't, but I did see the half-hour documentary about the reality of the situation. I've always wanted to visit Yellowstone, having read a lot about it over the years, but I'm looking forward to seeing the other half of the documentary with some trepidation. I find it a really scary prospect, having seen recently what the Asian tsunami did. The scientists think the consequences of a huge volcanic eruption in NW America could cause problems worldwide. UPDATE - ANY FURTHER THOUGHTS? CB >|<

It was very interesting CB and I'm looking forward to part 2 tonight. Didn't watch the follow up on BBC2 as I needed my Sunday night kicks so watched Casanova on BBC3 instead! It does rather look as though when it happens it will have an effect globally, but it might not happen for several thousand more years yet. Every 600,000 years give or take 40,000 is quite a wide margin given our life span. Daisy

I watched both! Didn't find it very comforting! It just goes to show that even with all our technology, we still can't truly predict Mother Nature...... Looking forward to tonight though. More than the 'will it, won't it' eruption, I want to see how we could deal with it! Claire xx

Didn't see either programme, however there's a chapter about this in a book I read a few months ago 'a short history of nearly everything' by Bill Bryson. It's quite a scary prospect. If it blew, it could take out most of North America.

Paul, my hubby's reading that at the moment. Keeps reading me snippets at bedtime. Beats the bible I suppose! David will understand that one! Daisy

I watched both progs and enjoyed them even though the facts are quite scary. will have to tape tonights cos im at work. My sis has been saying for years 'we wont have to worry if Yellowstone blows' and we laughed!

Daisy, The scientists in the documentary said there is a pattern of eruptions approx every 700,000 years, and it's now 640,000 since the last one. One guy said it could blow today or not for tens of thousands of years - all that is certain is that it WILL happen and the consequences, as Paul has said will be devastating. Paul, What is the book? Is it a good read? Claire, Yes, I'd like to see what the plans are to deal with it. It always makes me wonder why there have to be so many wars and so much man-made destruction, when there is so much worse that can happen beyond our control. I'd like to see resources stockpiled to cope with natural disasters, rather than for territorial wars. CB >|<

Sorry, Paul! You've given the book title in your post - I found it difficult to see the quote marks, as GR still haven't sorted out the line-spacing for the large print that I use to read the Board without my specs. CB >|<

The books title is pretty much self explanatory - its a science book written in laymans terms that covers everything from the big bang through to the development of the human race and everything in between. Very well written, educational and humourous in places.

apparently its the volcanic winter that will last for years after the eruption that will kill the most people - now that is a scary thought, think id rather be vapourised straight away.

Basically, there's nothing we can do about events on this scale (ditto asteroid impacts, earthquakes, etc.) so there's little point in worrying about it. Basically we're living in a brief relatively stable timespan between global disasters and ice ages and this has enabled our civilisation and population to increase. Eventually much of that will be reversed, we just don't know when or how. So enjoy it while you can.

Yes, Brian, it puts everything into perspective, doesn't it? Hence my earlier comment about wars. I'm also part-way through watching the collection of programmes shown recently on BBC4 about the formation and development of the continent of Europe. As you say, there have been massive disruptions to, and movements of, land and water in the past, and there will again over time. All we can do is hope they don't occur in our lifetimes. Fascinating stuff though! CB >|<

The only thing the scientists can guarantee is that Yellowstone WILL blow, and the Earth WILL be hit by an asteroid. The only thing they can't tell us is WHEN.

CB The BBC4 progs on Europe are fascinating aren't they? Daisy

Sorry I missed that not seen Yogi bear and Boo Boo! for years. Dave

Yes, Fred, I agree. It might sound strange, but if it happened in my lifetime, somehow I would feel more comfortable knowing that my demise was caused by a natural sequence of events, rather than some trigger-happy nutter with a cache of explosives! I'm a great believer in there being a 'Grand Plan' and all of us being a part, however small, of it. Jim, I wonder if anyone - scientist, politician or whoever - would really feel comfortable with that knowledge (i e when?). It would be very tempting to tell, and that would cause mayhem. CB >|<

Dave, If you missed it, you're not 'smarter than the av-err-age bear', are you? Never mind, we'll let you off this time! LoL CB >|< (Who adored Yogi bear as a youngster.) X

Reminder for anyone who wants to watch it - the second part of the documentaray programme will be shown on BBC2 at 10 tonight. CB >|<

I bet very few places in the World have a proper 'Evacuation & Rescue' plan in place. If we heard there was a Tsunami coming up the English Channel we would just have to say goodbye because there is no way we would be able to get out of Gosport in a hurry.

Jim, I reckon your best bet is to start building your ark now, just in case, and don't forget to put in lots of tins of grub for Dooley. Maybe tonight's programme will give us all some survival tips. CB >|<