Yellowstone News and Information

The Explosive Story of Excelsior Geyser By   Michael Poland Yellowstone Volcano Observatory   December 30, 2024 Long before the 2024 explosion of Black Diamond Pool brought renewed attention to hydrothermal hazards in Yellowstone National Park, there was Excelsior Geyser.  In the late 1800s, that feature set a standard for hydrothermal explosions. Yellowstone  Caldera  Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week's contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory On the morning of July 23, 2024, a  hydrothermal explosion  from Black Diamond Pool in Biscuit Basin sent people running for cover.  The event was caused by liquid water flashing to steam in the clogged hot-water plumbing system just beneath the surface, and it sent steam, water, mud, and rocks several hundred ...