Current:Home > InvestSurprise blast of rock, water and steam sends dozens running for safety in Yellowstone -FinanceMind
Surprise blast of rock, water and steam sends dozens running for safety in Yellowstone
View
Date:2025-04-15 12:21:23
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A surprise eruption that shot steam, water and dark-colored rock and dirt dozens of feet into the sky Tuesday sent people running for safety in Yellowstone National Park.
The hydrothermal explosion happened around 10 a.m. in Biscuit Basin, a collection of hot springs a couple miles (3.2 kilometers) north of the famous Old Faithful Geyser.
Video posted online showed a couple dozen people watching from a boardwalk as the eruption sprayed and grew in front of them. As water and debris began to fall, they ran to keep clear, some yelling “Back up!” and “Holy cow!” People then turned to watch the spectacle under a huge cloud of steam.
The eruption damaged the boardwalk, an elevated wooden walkway that keeps people off Yellowstone’s fragile and often dangerous geothermal areas. Photos and video of the aftermath showed damaged guardrails and boards covered in rock and silt near muddy pools.
No injuries were reported, but the Biscuit Basin area was closed for visitor safety, according to a U.S. Geological Survey statement.
A hydrothermal explosion happens when water suddenly flashes to steam underground. Such blasts are relatively common in Yellowstone.
Similar blasts have happened in Biscuit Basin in 2009, 1991 and after the magnitude 7.2 Hebgen Lake earthquake 40 miles (64 kilometers) away in 1959.
Dramatic as it was, the latest was on the small side, according to the statement.
Scientists theorize that a series of hydrothermal explosions created Mary Bay on the northeastern side of Yellowstone Lake some 13,800 years ago. At 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) wide, Mary Bay is the world’s largest known hydrothermal explosion crater.
Yellowstone is centered on a huge, dormant volcano. The hydrothermal explosion did not indicate new activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal levels, according to the Geological Survey.
___
Hanson reported from Helena, Montana.
veryGood! (6551)
Related
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Draft agreement at the COP26 climate summit looks to rapidly speed up emissions cuts
- See Shemar Moore’s Adorable Twinning Moment With Daughter Frankie
- South Africa gas leak near Johannesburg leaves 16 dead, including 3 children
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Love Is Blind's Micah Gives an Update on Her Friendship With Irina
- Who pays for climate change?
- Despite climate change promises, governments plan to ramp up fossil fuel production
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Jonas Brothers Twin With Molly Shannon's Sally O'Malley on SNL
Ranking
- Average rate on 30
- Spanish Actress Ana Obregón Welcomes Late Son's Baby Via Surrogate
- Russia hits western Ukraine city of Lviv with deadly strike as nuclear plant threat frays nerves in the east
- Why Christmas trees may be harder to find this year (and what you can do about it)
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: This $360 Backpack Is on Sale for $89 and It Comes in 6 Colors
- Thousands protest in Glasgow and around the world for action against climate change
- The Arctic has a new record high temperature, according to the U.N.
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Texas officials put the final death toll from last year's winter storm at 246
Biden to meet with King Charles on upcoming European trip
How loss of historical lands makes Native Americans more vulnerable to climate change
B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
Julián Figueroa, Singer-Songwriter and Telenovela Actor, Dead at 27
At least 51 people killed in road accident in western Kenya, 32 injured, police and Red Cross say
After a year of deadly weather, cities look to private forecasters to save lives