What is a caldera?
Q: What is a caldera?
A: A caldera is a volcanic feature formed by the collapse of land surface after a gigantic volcanic eruption. It is created when the volcano's magma chamber empties enough for the ground above it to drop.
Q: How does a caldera differ from a crater?
A: A crater is made by blasting outward, while a caldera is made by collapsing inward.
Q: Where does the word "caldera" come from?
A: The word "caldera" comes from the Portuguese language, meaning "cauldron".
Q: How much material was released during Yellowstone Caldera's last eruption?
A: During Yellowstone Caldera's last eruption some 650,000 years ago, it released about 1,000 km3 of material.
Q: When did Lake Toba erupt and how much material was released?
A: Lake Toba erupted about 75,000 years ago and released about 2,800 km3 of ejecta. This was one of the largest explosive eruptions within the last 25 million years.
Q: What theory suggests that this eruption reduced human population to between 2000-20 000 people?
A: Anthropologist Stanley Ambrose suggested that this volcanic winter induced by this eruption reduced human population to between 2000-20 000 people.
Q: Is there any direct evidence that supports this theory?
A: No, there is no direct evidence that supports this theory and some evidence that suggests it may not be correct.
