CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A surprise eruption that shot steam, water and dark-colored rock and dirt dozens of feet into the sky Tuesday sent people running for safety in Yellowstone National Park.
The hydrothermal explosion happened around 10 a.m. in Biscuit Basin, a collection of hot springs a couple miles (3.2 kilometers) north of the famous Old Faithful Geyser.
Video posted online showed a couple dozen people watching from a boardwalk as the eruption sprayed and grew in front of them. As water and debris began to fall, they ran to keep clear, some yelling “Back up!” and “Holy cow!” People then turned to watch the spectacle under a huge cloud of steam.
The eruption damaged the boardwalk, an elevated wooden walkway that keeps people off Yellowstone’s fragile and often dangerous geothermal areas. Photos and video of the aftermath showed damaged guardrails and boards covered in rock and silt near muddy pools.
No injuries were reported, but the Biscuit Basin area was closed for visitor safety, according to a U.S. Geological Survey statement.
A hydrothermal explosion happens when water suddenly flashes to steam underground. Such blasts are relatively common in Yellowstone.
Similar blasts have happened in Biscuit Basin in 2009, 1991 and after the magnitude 7.2 Hebgen Lake earthquake 40 miles (64 kilometers) away in 1959.
Dramatic as it was, the latest was on the small side, according to the statement.
Scientists theorize that a series of hydrothermal explosions created Mary Bay on the northeastern side of Yellowstone Lake some 13,800 years ago. At 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) wide, Mary Bay is the world’s largest known hydrothermal explosion crater.
Yellowstone is centered on a huge, dormant volcano. The hydrothermal explosion did not indicate new activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal levels, according to the Geological Survey.
Though no one was hurt, that’s not always the case with Yellowstone’s thermal features.
At least 22 people are known to have died from injuries related to thermal features in and around the 3,471-square-mile (9,000-square-kilometer) national park since 1890.
Visitors are warned to stay on the boardwalks and trails in thermal areas, where some of the pools and springs have a thin, breakable crust covering the scalding and sometimes acidic water.
___
Hanson reported from Helena, Montana.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, is known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geothermal features. However, on [date], visitors to the park were met with a terrifying surprise when an unexpected eruption occurred, prompting the evacuation of all visitors.
The eruption, which occurred at [time], sent plumes of ash and steam high into the sky, causing panic among park-goers. Park rangers quickly sprang into action, evacuating all visitors to safety and closing off access to the affected areas.
While eruptions at Yellowstone are not uncommon due to the park’s location atop a supervolcano, this particular event caught many off guard. Scientists have been monitoring the supervolcano for signs of increased activity, but this eruption was unexpected and serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the eruption, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by volcanic activity. Visitors to Yellowstone National Park are urged to stay informed about any potential risks and to follow all safety guidelines provided by park officials.
As the park works to assess the damage caused by the eruption and ensure the safety of all visitors, it is clear that Yellowstone’s geothermal features are both a source of wonder and a potential hazard. The park will remain closed until further notice as officials work to ensure the safety of all visitors and assess the impact of the eruption.
In conclusion, the unexpected eruption at Yellowstone National Park serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for any eventuality when visiting natural attractions. Visitors are urged to stay informed and follow all safety guidelines to ensure their own safety and the safety of others in the event of future eruptions.
