Surprise blast of rock, water and steam sends dozens running for safety in Yellowstone
A surprise eruption of steam, water and dark-colored rock and dirt that shot dozens of feet into the sky sent people running for safety in Yellowstone National Park
A surprising blast of rock, water, and steam shot into the sky in Yellowstone National Park, causing visitors to run for safety. The hydrothermal explosion, which occurred in Biscuit Basin, sent a mixture of steam, water, and dark-colored rock and dirt dozens of feet into the air.
Witnesses captured video footage of the eruption, showing a group of people watching from a boardwalk as the blast sprayed upwards, prompting them to quickly retreat and yell warnings to others. The aftermath revealed damage to the boardwalk, with guardrails and boards covered in rock and silt. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the area was closed off for visitor safety.
The explosion, which occurred near the Black Diamond Pool, was likely caused by water flashing to steam underground, a relatively common occurrence in Yellowstone, according to scientists. While the blast was small, it served as a reminder of the park's volatile geothermal nature, which requires visitors to stay on designated boardwalks and trails for their own safety.
Yellowstone, centered on a dormant volcano, is known for its various thermal features, which have been responsible for several fatalities over the years. The recent hydrothermal explosion is a testament to the unpredictable and powerful forces that shape the park's landscape, highlighting the importance of caution when exploring this unique and captivating natural wonder.
Witnesses captured video footage of the eruption, showing a group of people watching from a boardwalk as the blast sprayed upwards, prompting them to quickly retreat and yell warnings to others. The aftermath revealed damage to the boardwalk, with guardrails and boards covered in rock and silt. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the area was closed off for visitor safety.
The explosion, which occurred near the Black Diamond Pool, was likely caused by water flashing to steam underground, a relatively common occurrence in Yellowstone, according to scientists. While the blast was small, it served as a reminder of the park's volatile geothermal nature, which requires visitors to stay on designated boardwalks and trails for their own safety.
Yellowstone, centered on a dormant volcano, is known for its various thermal features, which have been responsible for several fatalities over the years. The recent hydrothermal explosion is a testament to the unpredictable and powerful forces that shape the park's landscape, highlighting the importance of caution when exploring this unique and captivating natural wonder.