[Kevin Curry]

A massive eruption would likely be preceeded by waring signs, including some powerful earthquakes.

These "warning" signs could begin at any moment--some scientists believe the bulge under Yellowstone Lake is one such warninig sign. The powerful Hebden Lake earthquake in 1959 is very recent in geological terms (I have visited the area near Mount Borah in Idaho where an entire valley lifted several feet as a result of this earthquake, and have seen the evidence of the shift as a lateral line in the earth, north and south, as far as the eye can see--very impressive and humbling).

Or, nothing significant might happen for 2 million years or longer.

Yellowstone is a highly geologically active area. A mega-eruption will take place there sooner or later. It is wise to plan for the worst while expecting the best.

I wonder whether an eruption could be triggered by the detonation of a nuclear device in the park? My gut reaction is that it would not work. But suppose an enemy had a nuclear device and tried to bring it off?

Seems to me this is the plotline of an old Superman comic book episode.

Still . . .

[HiTech RedNeck]

One of those super-burrowing bunker buster mini nukes. The former USSR would be the only non-US power I would expect to have one at this time.

[PAR35]

I'm not saying that the area is not geologically interesting, I am saying there will be a buildup of quakes above background levels before the thing blows.

Frankly, if you wanted to worry about a gelogic event which could occur without warning and kill millions, start sweating about another major quake (also 'overdue') in southern Missouri.