A ‘hydrothermal explosion’ at Yellowstone National Park’s Biscuit Basin area sent debris flying and damaged the boardwalk.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) officials said the violent blast forced the closure of the popular area.
Video footage captured the explosion:
#yellowstone #biscuitbasin Yellowstone National Park pic.twitter.com/RNHYkwibxR
— Nomis (@NomisRensiew) July 23, 2024
“Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park has blown up, destroying a nearby boardwalk as tourists could be seen running to safety. According to Geyser Times, there were no injuries,” Collin Rugg wrote.
“A radio report noted: ‘First large pool at biscuit basin… large explosion… lots of debris. No injuries, calling geology to determine what happened.’ Biscuit Basin is now closed,” he added.
JUST IN: Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park has blown up, destroying a nearby boardwalk as tourists could be seen running to safety.
According to Geyser Times, there were no injuries.
A radio report noted: “First large pool at biscuit basin… large explosion… lots of… pic.twitter.com/gyzqvysRBR
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 23, 2024
USA TODAY reports:
The explosion occurred at the Biscuit Basin thermal area around 10 a.m. local time, appearing to originate near the Black Diamond Pool, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. There were no injuries immediately reported.
Biscuit Basin as well as its boardwalks and parking lots are closed for visitor safety as park geologists investigate what occurred, USGS reported. The popular tourist spot is located roughly two miles northwest of Old Faithful.
Volcanic activity for the Yellowstone region remains at normal levels, according to USGS.
“Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park temporarily closed due to hydrothermal explosion,” Yellowstone National Park posted.
(Heads Up!) Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park temporarily closed due to hydrothermal explosion. More info: https://t.co/tcDR8oRNSx pic.twitter.com/YP7CkwNrQR
— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) July 23, 2024
Wow. Crazy aftermath of the HUGE explosion at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone. Boardwalk viewing of the geyser wrecked! pic.twitter.com/6Q4ufLK6YX
— Justin Hart (@justin_hart) July 23, 2024
Per FOX Weather:
Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone, USGS officials said.
“It’s sort of an underappreciated hazard in the Yellowstone region,” said Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge with the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory and geophysicist with the USGS.
He noted that Tuesday’s event was not connected to volcanic activity, which is often associated with the park.
“People focus on the volcanism there, but there’s no sign of any volcanic activity involved in this,” he said. “It was simply a geyser system, a hydrothermal system, that experienced changes underground that caused a lot of water to flush the heat.”
Additionally, the event is not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, the USGS added.
Park and USGS staff will monitor conditions and announce when the area is safe for visitors.
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