Yellowstone geyser erupts after six-years

A massive geyser in Yellowstone National Park has finally erupted after sitting dormant for more than six-years.

“On Tuesday, August 25, Giantess Geyser roared back to life after a period of more than six and a half years without erupting,” Yellowstone National Park tweeted. 

Giantess Geysers’ are infrequent but violent eruptions. This fountain-type geyser erupts in several bursts 100 – 200 ft (30 – 60m) high. Eruptions generally occur two to six times a year, according to the NPS website. The surrounding area may shake from underground steam explosions just before the initial water and/or steam eruptions. Eruptions may occur twice hourly and continue for 4 – 48 hours.

Some speculate that the earthquakes generated and new seismic activity in Yellowstone are a sign that the “supervolcano” that lies beneath the park will soon erupt. In turn, this could have regional and global consequences, but that is speculation at this point.

The U.S. Geological Survey, however, did say the Giantess Geyser’s behavior seen is pretty typical, and this eruption isn’t a sign that 2020 will bring anything to worry about in Yellowstone National Park.

“This is what geysers do,” USGS said. “2020 or not, Yellowstone remains calm in terms of volcanic activity.”

So until there is such a time to worry, when given the chance, Yellowstone will undoubtedly produce something magical for you to witness as you travel through the park.