Science·Volcanoes & Earthquakes·conceptual
Supervolcanoes & Volcanic Winter
Describe calderas such as Yellowstone and Toba as supervolcanoes capable of erupting thousands of cubic kilometres of ash; explain how sulphur dioxide aerosols in the stratosphere scatter sunlight and cause volcanic winter; discuss the Toba catastrophe theory and how giant eruptions have interacted with ice ages; contrast supervolcano eruptions with ordinary eruptions in scale and climate impact
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
No evidence statements are recorded.
Assessment prompt
Has Supervolcanoes & Volcanic Winter heard of a supervolcano? Can they describe how a single enormous eruption could cool the entire planet for years — what gets into the atmosphere and why does it block warmth?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.