A hydrothermal eruption occurred in Yellowstone: a footbridge was destroyed, and the area is closed
24 july 2024 в 23:13
On Tuesday morning, a hydrothermal explosion occurred inside Yellowstone National Park, causing rocks and debris to fly in different directions, damaging a pedestrian walkway and forcing the closure of that area.
The explosion took place in the thermal area of Biscuit Basin around 10 a.m. local time, apparently starting near Black Diamond Pool, the US Geological Survey reported. Biscuit Basin, as well as its trails and parking areas, are closed for visitor safety while park geologists investigate the incident, the US Geological Survey reported. The popular tourist spot is located approximately two miles northwest of Old Faithful.
Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory of the US Geological Survey, stated in a press release early Tuesday that there have been no reports of injuries as a result of the explosion.
«Monitoring data show no changes in the Yellowstone region. Today’s explosion does not reflect volcanic system activity, which remains at normal levels», - Poland said in the statement.
«Hydrothermal explosions like today’s are not indicative of impending volcanic eruptions and are not caused by magma rising to the surface».
He explained that such explosions occur when water rapidly turns into steam underground, and they are «relatively common» in Yellowstone National Park. A similar explosion occurred in Biscuit Bay in May 2009, and a small explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15. Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin erupted in 1989.
Occurring twice a year most often in remote areas, hydrothermal explosions can go unnoticed except by monitoring equipment, according to Poland. However, this explosion was fully documented by tourists with smartphones.
«It's really impressive», - Poland said about the footage.
Facebook user Vlada March, who posted a video, wrote on the platform that the explosion happened right in front of her and her family. Mrs. March said about her mother: «she was covered in ash from head to toe», - after desperately looking for her and yelling at her two young sons to run.
«The walkway is destroyed, my mom got some debris, but everyone is safe. It’s incredible and we’re grateful to be alive», - March said
The explosion took place in the thermal area of Biscuit Basin around 10 a.m. local time, apparently starting near Black Diamond Pool, the US Geological Survey reported. Biscuit Basin, as well as its trails and parking areas, are closed for visitor safety while park geologists investigate the incident, the US Geological Survey reported. The popular tourist spot is located approximately two miles northwest of Old Faithful.
Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory of the US Geological Survey, stated in a press release early Tuesday that there have been no reports of injuries as a result of the explosion.
«Monitoring data show no changes in the Yellowstone region. Today’s explosion does not reflect volcanic system activity, which remains at normal levels», - Poland said in the statement.
«Hydrothermal explosions like today’s are not indicative of impending volcanic eruptions and are not caused by magma rising to the surface».
He explained that such explosions occur when water rapidly turns into steam underground, and they are «relatively common» in Yellowstone National Park. A similar explosion occurred in Biscuit Bay in May 2009, and a small explosion in Norris Geyser Basin on April 15. Porkchop Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin erupted in 1989.
Occurring twice a year most often in remote areas, hydrothermal explosions can go unnoticed except by monitoring equipment, according to Poland. However, this explosion was fully documented by tourists with smartphones.
«It's really impressive», - Poland said about the footage.
Facebook user Vlada March, who posted a video, wrote on the platform that the explosion happened right in front of her and her family. Mrs. March said about her mother: «she was covered in ash from head to toe», - after desperately looking for her and yelling at her two young sons to run.
«The walkway is destroyed, my mom got some debris, but everyone is safe. It’s incredible and we’re grateful to be alive», - March said
© Smirnova Olga
