Wednesday, February 12, 2025
HomeEnvironment HeadlinesTourists Flee for Safety as Hydrothermal Explosion Rocks Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin -...

Tourists Flee for Safety as Hydrothermal Explosion Rocks Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin – EcoWatch

“Terrifying Hydrothermal Explosion Rocks Yellowstone National Park – What You Need to Know”

A hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone National Park’s Biscuit Basin thermal area on July 23, 2024, sent tourists running for safety as steam, water, dirt, and rocks erupted into the sky. The event occurred in the morning, catching onlookers by surprise as they watched from a boardwalk near the popular Old Faithful Geyser.

One tourist, Vlada March, captured the incident on her cellphone while on a guided tour with her family. The guide had pointed out steam rising from the ground, which quickly escalated into a massive cloud of rocks blocking out the sun. March can be heard in the video urging her children to run as the explosion unfolded.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident, but the falling rocks damaged a walkway meant to keep visitors away from dangerous geothermal formations, prompting the closure of Biscuit Basin for safety reasons. Yellowstone National Park officials reminded visitors to stay on designated trails and boardwalks in geothermal areas to avoid accidents, as the thin crust over hot and sometimes acidic water can be deceivingly fragile.

Park geologists are currently investigating the area to determine the cause of the explosion. Mike Poland, a scientist with the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, suggested that a clogged passageway in the park’s natural network of ducts may have led to a buildup of pressure and heat, resulting in the explosion. Despite the spectacle of the event, Poland emphasized that it was relatively small compared to past hydrothermal explosions in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park sits atop a dormant volcano, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) stated that the park’s volcanic system remains at normal levels. According to the USGS, large hydrothermal explosions occur on average every 700 years, with the potential for future events in Yellowstone not being insignificant.

The USGS also noted that based on historical data, an explosion large enough to create a 100-meter-wide crater could be expected every few hundred years. While rare on a human timescale, the possibility of such events underscores the need for caution and awareness when visiting geothermal areas in the park.

As park officials continue to assess the aftermath of the hydrothermal explosion, visitors are reminded to follow safety guidelines and respect the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Popular