We’ve got some exciting—and somewhat alarming—news from Yellowstone National Park. On Tuesday, a hydrothermal explosion shook the Biscuit Basin area, causing damage and sending visitors running for safety.
The explosion took place around 10 a.m. local time near the Black Diamond Pool, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). While there were no injuries reported, the blast damaged a boardwalk and led to the closure of Biscuit Basin, including its boardwalks and parking lots, for safety reasons. Park geologists are currently investigating the cause of the explosion.
A video shared on Facebook by Vlada March captured the dramatic moment. March described the explosion happening right in front of her and her family. “Boardwalk destroyed, my mom got some of the debris but everyone is safe. Unbelievable and grateful to be alive,” she wrote.
BREAKING: There was just a huge eruption at Yellowstone National Park.
pic.twitter.com/n6LYNHZ2bp— Creepy.org (@creepydotorg) July 23, 2024
Despite their dramatic nature, hydrothermal explosions are not indicators of impending volcanic eruptions. These explosions occur when hot water within the volcanic system rapidly turns into steam, causing a sudden and violent release of pressure. Lisa Morgan, an emeritus USGS research geologist, explained that these explosions are among the least understood geologic hazards. They result from rapid pressure drops that lead to the explosive expansion of high-temperature fluids or vapors, often forming craters.
Yellowstone is a global hotspot for hydrothermal activity. According to Michael Poland, the scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, the park experiences these explosions a few times a year. The area northeast of Yellowstone Lake is home to three of the largest-known hydrothermal explosion craters on Earth. Mary Bay, formed 13,000 years ago, spans a mile and a half; Turbid Lake, created 9,400 years ago, is a mile wide; and Elliott’s Crater, formed 8,000 years ago, is nearly half a mile across.
Hydrothermal explosions can happen anywhere there is significant hydrothermal activity. Other notable locations include New Zealand, Iceland, and Chile. Compared to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, these explosions are an underappreciated geologic hazard. Most are small and go unnoticed, but they can be powerful enough to create sizable craters every few hundred years.
(Heads Up!) Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park temporarily closed due to hydrothermal explosion. More info: https://t.co/tcDR8oRNSx pic.twitter.com/YP7CkwNrQR
— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) July 23, 2024
There have been several notable hydrothermal explosions at Yellowstone. In 2018, Ear Spring near Old Faithful erupted, throwing out not only rocks but also garbage dating back to the 1930s. Items included a Hamm’s beer can, a vintage pacifier, a shoe heel, and dozens of coins. In 1989, Porkchop Geyser erupted in front of eight observers, growing from a 30-foot water spout to 100 feet before exploding. This created a 30-foot crater and altered the shape of the geyser pool. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Scientists are actively researching how to predict these explosions, but the task remains challenging. According to Poland, it’s still uncertain whether hydrothermal explosions can be forecasted. “One of the things we don’t fully know right now is whether these things can be forecast,” he said. “It’s still an open question.”
