A hydrothermal eruption occurred in Yellowstone National Park today, in the Biscuit Basin area (Black Diamond Pool). The event involved a sudden release of steam and debris, causing damage to a boardwalk and prompting the closure of the area for visitor safety. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries.
The eruption is believed to have been triggered by the buildup of pressure within a subsurface hydrothermal system, where superheated water and steam interact with surrounding rocks and minerals.
Geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are investigating the event to determine the specific cause and assess potential hazards. Preliminary findings suggest that the eruption was relatively minor in scale compared to historical hydrothermal events in the park. Hydrothermal eruptions are not uncommon in Yellowstone, and while they can pose risks to visitors and infrastructure, they are distinct from volcanic eruptions and do not indicate an increased likelihood of a volcanic event.
Hydrothermal eruptions are explosive events driven by the immense pressure generated when superheated water beneath the Earth’s surface rapidly transforms into steam. This intense pressure buildup can fracture surrounding rocks, propelling a mixture of steam, boiling water, mud, and shattered rock fragments into the air. These eruptions differ from volcanic eruptions, as they do not involve molten magma but rather the energy stored within geothermal systems. These events can vary in scale, from minor outbursts creating small craters to large-scale explosions excavating vast depressions. The frequency and intensity of hydrothermal eruptions depend on factors like the availability of water, heat sources, and the geological setting.