Yellowstone National Park Closed After Hydrothermal Explosion
The Biscuit Basin area of Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park has been closed following a hydrothermal explosion that occurred on Tuesday morning. Park officials announced the closure for safety reasons, temporarily shutting down Biscuit Basin, its parking lot, and boardwalk located about 2 miles northwest of Old Faithful.
Understanding Hydrothermal Explosions
Hydrothermal explosions are violent events characterized by rapid ejections of boiling water, steam, mud, and rock fragments. These explosions occur in shallow reservoirs of interconnected fluids with temperatures near the boiling point. When pressure drops suddenly, these fluids transform into vapor, causing significant expansion and ejecting debris.
In the past, Yellowstone National Park has experienced similar hydrothermal explosions, such as the one that occurred today near Sapphire Pool. However, it’s important to note that such events do not indicate an imminent volcanic eruption. Monitoring data shows no changes in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background activity levels.
Predicting Future Events
While large hydrothermal explosions are rare on human timescales, the likelihood of more such events in Yellowstone National Park in the future is not insignificant. Based on historical data, it is expected that large explosions occur every few hundred years, creating craters up to 100 meters wide.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, on average, a large hydrothermal explosion occurs every 700 years. These events, although uncommon, are a natural part of the park’s geological processes and do not signal an impending volcanic eruption.
Overall, while the recent hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park may be a cause for concern, it is essential to understand the natural processes at play and the minimal risk of a volcanic event.
