The Yellowstone Explosion: What Happened?
On July 23, 2024, a major hydrothermal explosion occurred at Yellowstone National Park’s Biscuit Basin, sending rocks and debris high into the air and forcing officials to close the trail for the rest of the summer.
The blast happened when a sudden drop in pressure underground caused superheated water to quickly turn into steam, creating a powerful force that broke through the ground. Geologist Mara Reed pointed out how fortunate it was that visitors escaped without injury, as boiling water could have affected them. But how do geyser explosions happen?
Geyser explosions occur when superheated water underground becomes trapped in a confined space, creating intense pressure. As the temperature rises, the water is close to boiling but remains liquid due to the pressure. When a crack or vent forms, the pressure drops suddenly, allowing the water to rapidly convert to steam. This quick transition creates an explosive force that propels steam and boiling water high into the air. The eruption is often accompanied by the ejection of rocks and debris, depending on the strength of the explosion and the surrounding geological conditions.
Geyser explosions are not uncommon in Yellowstone. Reed stated that similar events have happened before, and Michael Poland from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory noted that the explosions occur every few decades, with the last one in Biscuit Basin in 2009.
The recent Yellowstone eruption reminds us of the unpredictable nature of places with lots of geysers. By learning about how they happen, we can stay safer and better appreciate these unique landscapes, highlighting the need to protect these incredible environments.
Sources:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/yellowstone-hydrothermal-explosion-volcano
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/geysers-hot-springs/geysers-erupt/
