This morning, a hydrothermal explosion in Yellowstone National Park sent tourists running for cover. The explosion caused damage to the boardwalk, but there were no reports of injuries.
The Biscuit Basin thermal area is about 2.1 miles northwest of Old Faithful. The parking lot and boardwalks within the area are temporarily closed for visitor safety.
According to a news release from the park, the explosion likely originated near Black Diamond Pool. Yellowstone National Park geologists are now investigating the event.
Yellowstone is the site of the largest and most diverse collection of natural thermal features in the world. Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone. An explosion similar to that of today reportedly also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.
Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity, according to the release. Hydrothermal explosions like that of today are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface.
