A recent hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park resulted in substantial damage to a boardwalk and propelled debris several stories into the air. This event occurred on Tuesday morning in the Biscuit Basin area, northwest of Old Faithful, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
Details of the Yellowstone Explosion
The explosion, described as “small” by Michael Poland, the Scientist-in-Charge at Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, occurred around 10 a.m. approximately 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful, likely originating from the Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin. Poland confirmed there were no reported injuries resulting from the explosion.
Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Aftermath
Videos shared online by witnesses captured the explosion and its aftermath, showing people near the boardwalk where the incident happened. Debris was scattered across the area, and the boardwalk sustained visible damage. As a safety precaution, Biscuit Basin’s parking lot and boardwalks have been temporarily closed. Yellowstone National Park geologists are currently investigating the explosion, confirming no unusual volcanic activity.
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Understanding Hydrothermal Explosions
Michael Poland emphasized that the monitoring data indicates no changes in the Yellowstone volcanic system. “Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity,” he stated. Hydrothermal explosions like the recent one are not indicators of impending volcanic eruptions and are not caused by rising magma. These explosions occur when underground water rapidly converts to steam, a relatively common phenomenon in Yellowstone.
Historical Context of Hydrothermal Activity in Yellowstone
Similar hydrothermal explosions have occurred in the past, including an event in Biscuit Basin in May 2009 and a smaller one in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15. In 1989, the Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin also exploded. These events often launch boiling water, steam, mud, and rock into the air, sometimes reaching heights of up to 1.2 miles. According to a 2018 U.S. Geological Survey report, large hydrothermal explosions typically occur every 700 years on average. Yellowstone National Park has identified at least 25 craters, each at least 328 feet wide, formed by past explosions.
Future Risks and Historical Data
Despite their rarity on a human time scale, the potential for future hydrothermal explosions in Yellowstone is significant. Based on historical data, a large hydrothermal explosion creating a 328-foot-wide crater can be expected every few hundred years. The Black Diamond Pool, where the recent explosion likely originated, erupted black, murky water following an earthquake in July 2006 and experienced several explosive eruptions in the subsequent days. However, eruptions have been infrequent since then, with the pool’s average temperature recorded at 148.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ongoing Investigations and Updates
The public affairs office for Yellow stone National Park referred inquiries to the news release from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, stating no additional information was immediately available. The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory assured that more details will be provided as they become available.
In summary, while hydrothermal explosions in Yellow stone are not uncommon, they do not signify heightened volcanic activity. These natural occurrences, driven by rapid steam formation underground, continue to be a subject of scientific investigation and public interest.
