- Yellowstone National Park has a 13-foot water feature created by a hydrothermal eruption.
- The explosion is believed to have taken place between December 20,24 and May 20,25.
- Although rare, hydrothermal explosives can cause injuries or even death to people and animals.
A new discovery made in a popular National Park has “explosive beginnings”.
Geologists Yellowstone National Park Recently discovered a new thermo pool that was likely formed by an explosion of hydrothermal fluid. according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This stunning crater was discovered while performing routine maintenance on temperature logging stations. It has pale blue waters and rocks covered with light-gray sand.
Scientists believe the new feature was formed by multiple small explosions. The scientists said that the development of the feature began on Christmas Day in 2024. “Further activity” continued into the late January or early February. The pool sits at about 13 feet across with the water measured at a steamy 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
USGS
“The latest new thermal feature in Norris Geyser Basin—perhaps the most dynamic area in Yellowstone National Park—demonstrates the spectrum of ways in which hydrothermal features evolve,” according to the USGS. Some form during violent and brief episodes of change. Some may form much more slowly, such as the new feature… which seems to have started taking shape at Christmas 2024.
High-resolution satellite images show the development of the new thermal pool starting in December 2024 before growing into a small depression by early January and then finally revealing itself as fully-formed by Feb. 13.
The report stated that “the rocks and white material surrounding the pool (silica mud), were likely ejected during the formation of the feature.”
Hydrothermal explosions occur frequently throughout the world Yellowstone National ParkUSGS has noted. The trailhead for Biscuit Basin is still accessible. closed After an explosion occurred in July 2024. This area is near Old Faithful, a popular tourist attraction.
In some cases, hydrothermal eruptions can lead to deadly explosions. In El Salvador an explosion in 1990 led to more than 20 deaths combined with injuries. according to a report from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
Yellowstone National Park will be visited by more than 4,74 million people in 2024. according to the National Park ServiceThe number of visitors to the park is expected to increase by 44% compared with 2022. It’s impossible to pick a perfect time to go to the park. However, travelers can enjoy hiking and camping in the park during the warm months of April to October. Travelers who head to the park in the winter Snowmobiles, skis and snowshoes are all great ways to explore the park.
