Heads up, if you witnessed the large hydrothermal explosion that rocked Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park or have any pictures or videos of the area the week prior, you are encouraged to reach out to Yellowstone and help them in their continued investigation of the incident.
The explosion that occurred just before 10am on Tuesday, July 23rd obliterated portions of the boardwalk adjacent to the hydrothermal feature and has led to the closure of Biscuit Basin for the remainder of the 2024 season out of concern for visitor safety.
Small explosions of boiling water in the Biscuit Basin area continue to be possible over the coming days to months. USGS and NPS geologists are closely monitoring conditions while mapping the debris field and accessing water samples water to evaluate any changes in the shallow hydrothermal system.
Hydrothermal explosions are not uncommon in Yellowstone, typically occurring one to a few times per year, but they more often than not happen in the remote backcountry where they may not be observed firsthand or immediately detected. The Biscuit Basin explosion was quite the opposite as it happened in a highly trafficked portion of the park and was witnessed by an untold amount of visitors, many of whom while fleeing for safety. This presents a unique opportunity for scientists to gather data points from the general public and we hope if you have any information that would be helpful in their research you will help contribute.
Yellowstone National Park Statement:
Calling all Citizen Scientists! Yellowstone National Park, United States Geological Survey Volcanoes and United States Geological Survey Volcanoes are seeking information regarding the hydrothermal explosion event that took place in Biscuit Basin on July 23rd, 2024.
Who can help:
-People in Biscuit Basin or surrounding area who directly observed the event.
-People who have photos or videos of Black Diamond Pool, Black Opal Pool, or Wall Pool during the period of July 16-July 23.
If you are in either of these groups and would like to help, please contact the Yellowstone Geology Program: yell_geology@nps.gov
Hydrothermal explosions are common, but not often witnessed. By sharing your observations and media, you can directly contribute to important scientific research on this under appreciated geologic hazard.
Calling all Citizen Scientists! Yellowstone and @USGSVolcanoes @USGS are seeking information regarding the hydrothermal explosion event that took place in Biscuit Basin on July 23rd, 2024.
Who can help:
· People in Biscuit Basin or surrounding area who directly observed the… pic.twitter.com/3e1nJj8kPs— Yellowstone National Park (@YellowstoneNPS) July 31, 2024
