Event Details**:
- A hydrothermal explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday morning.
- The explosion sent steam, water, and dark-colored rock and dirt dozens of feet into the sky.
- Time and Location:
- The eruption happened around 10 a.m.
- Biscuit Basin is a collection of hot springs a couple of miles north of Old Faithful Geyser.
- Public Reaction:
- Video footage showed people running for safety as the eruption grew.
- Visitors were heard yelling “Back up!” and “Holy cow!” as they retreated from falling debris.
- Damage:
- The eruption damaged the boardwalk, an elevated wooden walkway used to protect visitors from the fragile geothermal areas.
- Photos and videos showed damaged guardrails and boards covered in rock and silt.
- Safety Measures:
- No injuries were reported.
- Biscuit Basin area was closed for visitor safety following the explosion.
- Cause of Explosion:
- Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground.
- Such blasts are relatively common in Yellowstone, with previous occurrences noted.
- Official Statements:
- The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the explosion and provided details about the nature of hydrothermal explosions.
- Park and USGS staff are monitoring the situation and will determine when the area can be reopened.
Introduction
On Tuesday morning, visitors at Yellowstone National Park witnessed a dramatic hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin. This unexpected eruption sent steam, water, and debris high into the air, causing panic among onlookers and leading to the closure of the area for safety reasons. Such natural events highlight both the beauty and inherent dangers of one of America’s most famous national parks.
A small hydrothermal explosion occurred in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday morning, damaging a boardwalk and sending debris several stories into the air. The explosion happened around 10 a.m. in the Biscuit Basin area, about 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful.
Michael Poland, Scientist-in-Charge at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, confirmed the explosion likely occurred in the Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin. No injuries have been reported.
Videos shared online show people on the boardwalk near the explosion, with debris scattered across the area afterward. For safety reasons, Biscuit Basin’s parking lot and boardwalks are temporarily closed. Yellowstone National Park geologists are investigating but report no unusual volcanic activity.
“Hydrothermal explosions like today’s aren’t a signal of drawing close volcanic eruptions and aren’t resulting from magma growing to the surface.”
Such explosions occur when water quickly turns to steam underground and are relatively common in Yellowstone. There have been similar explosions in Biscuit Basin in May 2009 and Norris Geyser Basin in April 15. Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin exploded in 1989.
Hydrothermal explosions can send boiling water, steam, mud, and rock up to 1.2 miles into the air. According to a 2018 U.S. Geological Survey report, large hydrothermal explosions occur on average every 700 years. At least 25 craters in the park are 328 feet wide or more.
The Black Diamond Pool erupted black, murky water following an earthquake in July 2006 and had several explosive eruptions shortly after. Its common temperature is 148.five ranges Fahrenheit.
Yellowstone National Park’s public affairs office referred to the news release from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory and indicated more information would be released as it becomes available.
Small Hydrothermal Explosion in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin
The US Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed a small hydrothermal explosion occurred in Yellowstone National Park’s Biscuit Basin thermal area on Tuesday morning, July 23, 2024.
The explosion happened around 10 a.m., about 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful, near Black Diamond Pool. Several social media videos show visitors close to the explosion, which damaged the boardwalk but caused no injuries.
Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, is closed for safety reasons. The extent of the damage is still unknown, and the area will reopen once it is deemed safe. The Grand Loop road remains open.
Hydrothermal explosions, which occur when water quickly turns to steam underground, are relatively common in Yellowstone. Similar events happened at Porkchop Geyser in 1989 and Norris Geyser Basin on April 15, 2024. Another explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.
USGS and Yellowstone officials emphasized that Tuesday’s explosion does not indicate increased volcanic activity, which remains at normal levels. Hydrothermal explosions are not caused by rising magma and are not signs of impending volcanic eruptions.
Hydrothermal Explosion in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin
A surprise eruption in Yellowstone National Park sent steam, water, and debris high into the sky on Tuesday, causing visitors to run for safety. The explosion happened around 10 a.m. in Biscuit Basin, a hot springs area a couple of miles north of Old Faithful.
Incident Details:
- Time: Around 10 a.m. Tuesday
- Location: Biscuit Basin, Yellowstone National Park
- Cause: Likely a clogged underground passageway causing a buildup of heat and pressure
Visitor Reactions: - Visitors watching from a boardwalk ran for safety as the eruption sprayed water and debris.
- No injuries were reported, but the boardwalk was damaged.
- Videos show people yelling “Back up!” and “Holy cow!” as they ran from the falling debris.
Eyewitness Account:
- Vlada March, a tourist, described seeing steam and then a sudden explosion that turned the sky black.
- March and her family ran while she filmed the event.
- Rocks from the explosion damaged the boardwalk, but no one was injured.
Official Response: - The Biscuit Basin area has been closed for safety.
- Park geologists are investigating the explosion.
- The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory stated that the explosion did not indicate new volcanic activity.
Scientific Explanation: - Hydrothermal explosions occur when underground water quickly turns to steam.
- These explosions are common in Yellowstone and can happen without warning.
- Similar explosions have occurred in Biscuit Basin in 2009, 1991, and after the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake.
Safety Reminder: - Visitors are urged to stay on boardwalks and trails in thermal areas to avoid injuries from the scalding and sometimes acidic water.
Visitor Reactions:
Videos show people, including children, running from the explosion.
Nearby boardwalk and parking lot closed for safety.
Official Response:
The explosion is not related to volcanic activity.
The Biscuit Basin area is closed for safety.
The explosion is not related to volcanic activity and is considered common in Yellowstone.
Yellowstone and USGS employees are monitoring the scenario and will decide at the same time as the area can be reopened.
Additional Information:
Hydrothermal explosions are common in Yellowstone.
The park and USGS staff are monitoring the situation and will decide when the area can be reopened.
Similar explosions occurred in Norris Geyser Basin in April and in Biscuit Basin in 2009.
Conclusion
The hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of the park’s geothermal features. While the event caused significant disruption and damage, it fortunately resulted in no injuries. As park officials assess the situation and work to ensure visitor safety, this incident underscores the need for caution and respect in such dynamic natural environments.