There have already been over 120 earthquakes near the Yellowstone supervolcano in 2019, but there's probably no reason to worry.

I have no doubt you've seen some pretty sensational reports about what's happening at Yellowstone. If it's OK with you, I'd like to stick to the facts about what's going on. If you want to hear stories about "OMG, the supervolcano is about to kill us all", there are plenty of those making the rounds. Looking at you, Daily Express.

The following is a fact: There have been a lot of earthquakes at Yellowstone in 2019. As of right now, it's over 120 and counting. Here's what the official USGS Yellowstone Monitoring Map looks like.

USGS
USGS
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I take exception to some of the websites that take this fact and turn it into something outrageous. Note that the Daily Express uses this headline: Yellowstone volcano: Ground RISING after 121 earthquakes strike throughout Yellowstone. If you read their story though, you'll notice that they note that the USGS considers this activity normal. The current alert level at the official USGS website lists the current volcano threat level as normal.

Translation? Yes, lots of earthquakes in Yellowstone this year, but probably nothing to worry about.

I am an earthquake and volcano nut. I check the USGS site several times every day and I pay special attention to activity near Yellowstone since it's located practically in my backyard. As Geek.com noted, Steamboat Geyser set an eruption record in 2018 and I find that very curious and possibly troubling about a possible increase in activity. BUT, I won't start sounding any alarms or share something sensational unless there are FACTS that support the possibility that there's reason for alarm.

The best idea of all, in my not-so-humble opinion, is to bookmark the official USGS Yellowstone Monitoring site and check the facts yourself. That's the best way I know to find out what's really going on at Yellowstone instead of getting alarmed by sensational websites.

As of right now, it appears there's no real reason for serious concern about the Yellowstone supervolcano - yet.

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