Specialists from the U.S. Geological Survey have recorded an event in the area of the world-famous supervolcano in Yellowstone. It took place within the Biscuit Basin zone and led to noticeable changes in the landscape, including the emergence of a new hot water body. This is reported in the agency’s official statement.
The first unusual signals were picked up by instruments on June 13. Experts noted two types of anomalies at once: seismic tremors and infrasound waves coming from the direction of Black Diamond Basin. This location is notable because a similar eruption had already occurred there in July 2024.
When the scientists went to the site, they noticed the Firehole River, which flows not far from Biscuit Basin. Its water had taken on an unusual light gray color. A detailed check revealed that large volumes of hydrothermal fluid had entered the river from three newly formed outlets. The explosion mechanism is linked to superheated water beneath the surface getting into cavities and instantly turning into steam, creating excessive pressure.
The consequences of the eruption proved to be significant. A crack over 18 meters long and up to 1.5 meters wide formed on the surface. Nearby, another pit measuring 15 meters was discovered. In addition, an almost boiling pond emerged with dimensions of 6.5 by 5.3 meters, with water temperatures reaching 93 degrees Celsius. Surveillance cameras installed at the site recorded a jet periodically shooting up to 9 meters high from this source.
Importantly, there were no casualties or injuries. Biscuit Basin had remained closed to visitors since last year’s incident, which prevented any contact with people. Currently, geologists have set up additional temporary seismic stations to monitor potential recurring events and assess how the system will behave in the near future. The event itself, according to them, once again demonstrates the high instability of hydrothermal processes in this region.
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