Powerful Explosion Creates Frightening Scene In Yellowstone National Park

I imagine most folks living in Montana and Wyoming always have the Yellowstone supervolcano in the back of their minds.

So, when you see the headlines flashing across your screen about a hydrothermal explosion, it catches your attention.

Here's what we know so far.

Hydrothermal Explosion In Yellowstone National Park

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at approximately 10:19 a.m., a localized hydrothermal explosion happened near Sapphire Pool in Biscuit Basin, just north of Old Faithful.

Park officials are investigating Biscuit Basin and the surrounding area has been temporarily closed; however, Grand Loop Road remains open.

According to Yellowstone National Park officials, no one was injured in the explosion.

At this time, the extent of damage that has been caused is unknown.

Understanding Hydrothermal Explosions

Hydrothermal explosions are not nearly as common as volcanic eruptions but are still violent and involve rapid explosions of boiling water, steam, mud, and rock fragments.

Explosions can reach heights of over a mile and create significant craters.

Hydrothermal Mechanisms and Occurrences

Places such as Yellowstone National Park, with regions of shallow, interconnected reservoirs of boiling water, are the perfect setting for hydrothermal explosions.

Sudden dropping pressure can cause these fluids to rapidly turn to steam, leading to a significant expansion and explosion, shattering rock, and ejecting debris.

Frequency Of Hydrothermal Explosions

Overall, large-scale hydrothermal explosions are relatively rare.

According to researchers, they occur about every 700 years.

In Yellowstone, 25 explosion craters over 328 feet wide have been identified.

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