Mike Poland / USGS
Scientists believe that the new hydrothermal formation was caused by multiple small explosions, as seismic record equipment detected no major explosion.
The geologists of Yellowstone National Park identified a new hydrothermal formation In the Géis Norris basin during his first field visit in 2025, revealing a significant geological change in the area.
The discovery occurred in April, when scientists performed routine maintenance in temperature registration stations, and was detailed in a report at USGS Caldera Chronicles. At the northwest end of a milestone informally called “Tree island“Where there was only one piece of land without characteristics, they found an open hole approximately 4 meters wide, filled with milky water and light blue.
Evidence suggested a violent training process: Rocks up to 30 centimeters in size They were scattered nearby, lined with a thin gray mud, to match the exposed walls of the new pool. Initially, this pointed to a hydrothermal explosion, a common phenomenon in Yellowstone’s dynamic landscape.
To determine when the formation occurred, geologists revolve satellite images. No change was not visible In December 2024, but on January 6, 2025, a small depression had emerged. On February 13, the hole had evolved to a completely formed and full of water.
However, seismic and thermal monitoring equipment did not detect signs of a single large explosion. Instead, evidence indicates that training has gradually developed. “Clearly, the new thermal formation has not graduated from a single large explosive event,” said USGS geophysicist Michael Poland and Yellowstone National Park geologist Jeff Hungerford in his report to the USGS Caldera Chronicles.
Scientists concluded that training probably emerged through “multiple small events”That initially moved rocks and later ejected rich mud in silica, eventually forming a well that filled with water rich in minerals, says.
Although such changes highlight Yellowstone’s constant geological activity, experts stress that it It’s no reason for alarm. The park, located at the top of a supervulk, is closely monitored due to its potential for catastrophic eruptions. However, events like this new source reflect normal hydrothermal dynamics, not any indication of a large eruption.
