Terrifying Eruption at Yellowstone: Huge Hydrothermal Explosion Causes Panic—Here’s Why It Happened

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park experienced a dramatic event on Tuesday (23 July), as a massive hydrothermal explosion erupted in Biscuit Basin.

This unexpected natural phenomenon sent steam, boiling water, and debris high into the air, causing visitors to flee the area.

Videos captured dozens of people running as a large column of grey mud shot from the ground, sending rocks and boiling water into the sky.

No Injuries Reported, But Damage Significant

The National Park Service reported no injuries from the explosion, but nearby infrastructure, including the boardwalk and benches, sustained damage.

The area in the Yellowstone, located a few miles from the famous Old Faithful geyser, has been closed off to visitors for the remainder of the 2024 season to ensure safety and allow for thorough assessment and repairs.

Understanding Hydrothermal Explosions At Yellowstone

The US Geological Survey (USGS) provided insights into the nature of hydrothermal explosions, explaining that they occur when water rapidly converts to steam in a shallow hydrothermal system.

This sudden phase change causes surrounding rocks to be blown apart, resulting in the violent ejection of boiling water, steam, mud, and rock fragments.

Such explosions can reach heights of up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) and leave large craters filled with breccia—angular rocks cemented by clay.

Despite their dramatic nature, these explosions are not linked to volcanic activity. Similar events have occurred in Biscuit Basin before, notably in 2009, 1991, and after an earthquake in 1959.

The Recent Explosion: Details and Impact

The recent explosion at Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin was particularly powerful, sending steam and debris hundreds of feet into the air.

A preliminary assessment by National Park Service field crews revealed that the explosion was directed northeast toward the Firehole River, with the largest blocks of debris, some weighing hundreds of pounds, falling in that direction.

The explosion’s dark color was due to a mixture of mud, debris, steam, and boiling water.

Both Black Diamond Pool and Black Opal Pool were affected, with the shape of Black Diamond Pool changing slightly.

The pools became murky due to debris, and the unstable ground around their edges occasionally slid into the water.

Following the eruption, Black Diamond Pool exhibited minor roiling and spouting, with water bursts reaching about 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height.

By the following morning, both pools were overflowing, sending murky water into the Firehole River.

Ongoing Hazards and Monitoring

Hydrothermal explosions can pose significant local hazards, and the recent changes to the hydrothermal plumbing system mean that small explosions of boiling water from the area in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin remain possible over the coming days to months.

USGS and NPS geologists are monitoring conditions, mapping the debris field, and sampling water to assess any changes in the shallow hydrothermal system.

Hydrothermal explosions are not uncommon in Yellowstone National Park, occurring one to a few times per year, often in remote areas where they may go unnoticed.

Previous significant explosions include events in 1989 at Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin and on April 15, 2024, from the Porcelain Terrace Area of Norris Geyser Basin.

Safety Measures and Visitor Information

Yellowstone National Park has closed Biscuit Basin to visitors for the remainder of the 2024 season to ensure safety.

However, Grand Loop Road remains open to vehicles, and other nearby thermal basins, such as Black Sand Basin, are still accessible to the public.

The recent explosion serves as a reminder of the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of Yellowstone’s geothermal features.

Visitors to the Yellowstone have been urged by the officials to stay informed about park conditions and adhere to all safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in this unique natural wonder.

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