A hydrothermal explosion occurred just north of Old Faithful geyser on Tuesday, spewing rocks and steam into the air and forcing visitors to flee to safety, Yellowstone National Park officials said.
According to the National Park Service, the explosion happened around 10:19 a.m. in Biscuit Basin, about two miles northwest of Old Faithful, and no one was injured and the extent of damage is unknown. It said in a statement.
The type of explosion that occurred on Tuesday was hot water related, “rapidly ejecting boiling water, steam, mud and rock debris,” the statement said. According to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Eruption video People, including children, were seen running as columns of black and grey matter and steam spewed into the air.
Yellowstone is famous for its hot springs and thermal pools.
According to the USGS, a hydrothermal explosion occurs when underground water at or near boiling point is rapidly transformed into a stream of water due to a drop in pressure.
Outbursts like Tuesday’s are “relatively common in Yellowstone,” the USGS said. It said in a statement Following the incident, Norris Geyser Basin reported a small explosion in April, and Biscuit Basin reported an explosion in 2009.
Photos posted by Yellowstone National Park showed a nearby trail covered in dirt, rocks and debris.
The National Park Service said the trails and parking lots are closed until further notice due to safety concerns, and noted the explosion is not related to any volcanic activity.
Park staff and USGS personnel are monitoring the situation and will determine when the area can be reopened, officials said.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
