Enormous formations deep beneath the Earth's surface appear to be causing giant volcanic eruptions

Yellowstone is an area that has seen several massive eruptions in the past. (Image courtesy of Creative Travel Projects via Shutterstock)

Volcanic eruptions on the surface of our planet have serious consequences. Small eruptions can frighten travelers on Etna or cause disruptions to air traffic.

Large eruptions can have more significant consequences. One such event caused the extinction of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Giant volcanoes also triggered the events that led to the largest mass extinction in Earth's history, the Permian-Triassic extinction (252 million years ago).

But what causes giant eruptions and how do they rise to the surface from the bowels of the planet?

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