- The Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupted for the third time in the last six weeks on Friday
- Before its eruptions on March 15 and April 19, the geyser had not erupted since 2014
- The last time the Steamboat Geyser erupted three times in one year was in 2003
- Experts say this activity does not necessarily indicate a larger volcanic eruption
The world’s largest active geyser has erupted for the third time in the last six weeks.
Geologists at Yellowstone National Park confirmed the Steamboat Geyser erupted on Friday, following eruptions on March 15 and April 19.
Before then, the Steamboat Geyser had not erupted since September 2014. Reports indicate that all three of this year’s eruptions were smaller than before.
The last time this geyser erupted three times in one year was in 2003, according the U.S. Geological Survey’s Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
The Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupted for the third time in the last six weeks on Friday
Park geologists compared the report with seismic activity and the discharge of water and concluded the eruption probably started at 6:30am.
A park visitor reported seeing a rare eruption of the Steamboat Geyser on Friday, according to The National Park Service.
Yellowstone National Park sits atop a massive volcano which has not erupted in more than 70,000 years.
While some are worried that this could be a sign of a larger volcanic eruption, Geologist Michael Poland, the scientist in charge for Yellowstone’s observatory, told Reuters that this year’s pattern is unusual but does not necessarily mean a more destructive volcanic eruption is near.
‘There is nothing to indicate that any sort of volcanic eruption is imminent,’ Michael Poland said. ‘It might just reflect the randomness of geysers.’
Before its eruptions on March 15 and April 19, the geyser had not erupted since 2014
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