On Tuesday morning, Yellowstone National Park experienced a dramatic hydrothermal explosion in the Biscuit Basin area, just northwest of Old Faithful. This sudden eruption, which occurred around 10 a.m., sent a towering column of boiling water, mud, and rock high into the air, damaging a section of the boardwalk and prompting park officials to temporarily close the area for safety.
What Happened?
As per the reports of New York Times the explosion happened in the Black Diamond Pool area of Biscuit Basin, as confirmed by Michael Poland, Scientist-in-Charge at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. Poland described the explosion as “small” but significant enough to send debris several stories into the air and cause noticeable damage to the park’s infrastructure.
Eyewitness Accounts
Tourists who were present during the explosion captured videos showing the sudden eruption and the immediate aftermath. Vlada March, a visitor from Palm Desert, California, was on a guided tour with her family when the explosion occurred. She described the event as terrifying, recounting how the guide had pointed out unusual steam just moments before the massive plume erupted.
“I took out my phone like everyone does,” March said. “Suddenly it became a huge, dark cloud full of rocks. It covered the sun for a few moments.” March’s immediate concern was for her family, shouting for her children to run and frantically searching for her elderly mother, who was later found covered in ash but unharmed.
Safety and Investigations
Following the explosion, Yellowstone National Park officials closed Biscuit Basin’s parking lot and boardwalks to the public. Geologists are investigating the incident but have assured that the explosion does not indicate any unusual volcanic activity.
“Monitoring data show no changes in the Yellowstone region,” Poland stated. “Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels.” He further explained that such hydrothermal explosions are relatively common in Yellowstone and are not caused by magma movement but by rapid steam generation underground.
Historical Context
Hydrothermal explosions are a known phenomenon in Yellowstone, with previous incidents recorded in May 2009 and earlier this year in the Norris Geyser Basin. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that while large hydrothermal explosions are rare, the potential for future events exists. Over the past 16,000 years, at least 25 craters more than 328 feet wide have been identified in the park.
Conclusion
While the recent explosion in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin was alarming, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the park’s geothermal features. Visitors are advised to stay informed about park conditions and heed safety guidelines while exploring this unique and beautiful natural wonder.
