Explaining the destructive power and rarity of supervolcanoes

Ian Oliver delves into the science of supervolcanoes, distinguishing them from regular volcanoes by their immense eruption power, measured on the Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). He explains that a VEI level 8 eruption, also known as an "apocalyptic eruption," can launch over 240 cubic miles of material into the air, dramatically altering global weather for years. He highlights the rarity of these events.