The recently identified steam plume is located northeast of the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. It’s catching the attention of all visitors and scientists as well! This unusually colorful thermal feature lies just over a mile from the dinosaur-bedecked basin. Visitors are able to view it from a public highway, providing them an opportunity to safely see high-energy geothermal activity up close. The steam plume, originating from a 200-foot area of warm ground, has become notable for its accessibility and intriguing formation.
Initially detected by scientists in late July, the plume of steam comes out of the foot of a wooded knoll. Measurements of the venting steam have measured temperatures as high as 171ºF (77ºC). Oddly, this feature seems to be linked to a previous hot water breakout discovered 700 feet away back in 2003. Although the plume diminished over the winter, its marvel-inducing glory has grown, attracting inquisitive wandering of park-goers.
That new steam plume is only one of thousands of other thermal features that dot the ground in Yellowstone National Park. The park's hydrothermal phenomena are fueled by a magma chamber located between 5 and 10 miles beneath the Earth's surface. While Yellowstone's geothermal activity is constantly evolving, the park's iconic Old Faithful Geyser continues to operate reliably, drawing crowds with its predictable eruptions.
The volcano underneath Yellowstone has not erupted lava in 70,000 years. It hasn’t had a supereruption in 631,000 years, but its geothermal features are hardly dormant. When you see the recent steam plume, you’ll understand why it’s such exciting new development! A delicate layer of gray mud coats it, suggesting recent movement. As summer unfolds, we should begin to see this plume from afar. Beyond just saying that it’s active right now, we don’t know much about the long-term activity.
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, operated by the U.S. Geological Survey, is closely tracking this new steam plume. Thanks to their work, we can be sure that any geothermal activity that increases there will be seen, recorded and analyzed by talented eyes. As Yellowstone's geothermal landscape continues to transform, visitors and scientists alike remain captivated by the park's ever-changing natural wonders.
