The Geography and Ecology of a Supervolcanic Planet

What would be the geographical and ecological implications for an Earth-like planet that experienced intense volcanic and supervolcanic activity on a scale that, while decreasing over time, was far greater during its prehistoric past than anything ever seen on Earth? Eruptions would have had ejecta mass exceeding 10¹⁵"‰kg and VEIs of 8 or higher. (VEI stands for Volcanic Explosivity Index; 8 is the highest number on this scale that has occurred in recorded history.)

I'm specifically curious about the effect such volcanic activity would have on continents, the fertility of the soil and presence of other natural resources, and, of course, any life that might evolve on the planet in question. Could humanoid life develop on such a planet, or would life be fundamentally different than that of Earth?

posted over 7 years ago

C. S. Wright‭

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