Hydrothermal Explosion at Yellowstone
A Reminder of Nature's Unpredictable Power
On a serene Tuesday morning, the tranquil beauty of Yellowstone National Park was abruptly shattered by a dramatic hydrothermal explosion in the Biscuit Basin area. On July 21st at around 10 a.m., a towering column of boiling water, mud, and rocks shot into the sky, sending dozens of tourists running for safety. The explosion, which occurred near the Black Diamond Pool, left a crater approximately 20 feet wide and 10 feet deep, damaged the boardwalk, and temporarily closed the area to the public.
A Sudden Eruption
Vlada March, a tourist from Palm Desert, California, was on a guided tour with her family when the explosion occurred. "Our guide pointed out steam rising from the ground and said, 'Oh look, this is unusual.' I took out my phone like everyone does. Suddenly it became a huge, dark cloud full of rocks," she recounted. The explosion's force was such that it obscured the sun, creating a momentary darkness. Ms. March's mother was covered in ash from head to toe, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Understanding Hydrothermal Explosions
Hydrothermal explosions occur when water trapped underground is rapidly heated, causing it to vaporize and expand explosively. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), these events are relatively common in Yellowstone, though they typically result in small craters just a few meters wide. The last significant explosion in Biscuit Basin occurred in 2009, with similar events recorded in 1991 and 1959.
Marianne Karplus, a geological sciences professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, explains that the water in Yellowstone's hydrothermal systems is often near its boiling point. "When there’s a drop in underground pressure, it can cause the liquid water to rapidly transform into steam. This steam occupies a larger volume than the liquid water, leading to an expansion that can trigger an explosion," she said.
Yellowstone: A Supervolcano
Yellowstone is not just a national park; it sits atop one of the world's largest active volcanoes, known as a "supervolcano." The park's geothermal features, including its famous geysers and hot springs, are powered by the heat from an underlying magma chamber. The last major eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano occurred approximately 640,000 years ago, creating the Yellowstone Caldera.
Potential Impact of a Supervolcano Eruption
While the recent hydrothermal explosion is not indicative of an imminent volcanic eruption, it serves as a reminder of Yellowstone's geothermal volatility. If the supervolcano were to erupt, the consequences could be catastrophic. The immediate area could be buried under several feet of volcanic ash, destroying infrastructure and natural habitats. Ash could travel thousands of miles, affecting large portions of the United States and potentially disrupting air travel and machinery.
A super-eruption could inject vast quantities of ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to global cooling and significant disruptions to agriculture and ecosystems. Ash clouds could pose serious risks to aircraft, leading to widespread cancellations and delays.
The eruption would have devastating effects on local wildlife, including the destruction of habitats and food sources. Many species could face extinction due to the harsh conditions created by the ash and climate changes.
Monitoring and Preparedness
Despite the low probability of a super-eruption occurring in the near future, Yellowstone is closely monitored for signs of volcanic activity. The USGS and the National Park Service (NPS) use a network of seismic sensors, GPS stations, and other monitoring equipment to track ground deformation, seismic activity, and geothermal changes. According to Michael Poland, the scientist-in-charge at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, "If magma were rising up underneath the ground, we would see spectacular changes, including numerous earthquakes and widespread ground deformation."
Conclusion
The recent hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin is a clear reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. While it caused no injuries and is classified as a small-scale event, it underscores the importance of monitoring and preparedness in managing the risks associated with Yellowstone's geothermal and volcanic activity.
Ongoing monitoring and research indicate that the likelihood of a super-eruption occurring in any given year is extremely low, estimated to be less than 1 in 730,000. So, for now, visitors can rest assured that the park remains under vigilant observation, ensuring their safety while they explore one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders.
Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. He is available for consultations. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.