July 23, at around 10:19 AM, a powerful hydrothermal explosion rocked the Biscuit Basin area near Old Faithful.
This explosive event was captured on video by several visitors, showcasing the immense force of nature at work.
A hydrothermal explosion occurs when superheated water trapped beneath the ground suddenly flashes to steam, causing a violent release of energy. In this case, the explosion near Sapphire Pool sent debris flying and caused significant damage to boardwalks in the area. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Yellowstone is home to one of the most active hydrothermal systems in the world. The intense heat from the magma chamber below heats water, creating steam and pressure. When the pressure becomes too great, it can lead to an explosive release, as we saw today.
Hydrothermal explosions are not uncommon in Yellowstone. One notable example is the 1989 explosion at Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin. Another significant explosion occurred in Biscuit Basin in 2009, and Mary Bay in Yellowstone Lake hosts the largest known hydrothermal explosion crater, formed about 13,800 years ago.
Park officials and USGS scientists are closely monitoring the area to ensure safety and gather more data on this event. While hydrothermal explosions are dramatic, they do not indicate an imminent volcanic eruption. The volcanic system remains at normal background levels of activity.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember to stay safe if you're visiting the park!
