A Yellowstone geyser has experienced unusual eruptions lately, and scientists can't explain why


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Geysers are the result of magma heating water that has seeped into the ground, triggering an eruption of liquid through vents in the earth surface for as long as dozens of minutes, followed by billowing steam that may last days.


Yet geysers are difficult to study. Most have unpredictable eruptions that may happen in intervals lasting years, making it challenging to assign resources such as seismic monitors and cameras, Poland said. For instance, no scientists observed Friday’s eruption. It was reported by a visitor, he said.


Poland said he is not sure what is exactly going on with the Steamboat geyser.


One possibility he offered: the three eruptions on March 15, April 19 and Friday could point to thermal disturbances – heated ground that can change the behaviour of geysers and springs or form new ones, he said.


The string of eruptions over a year in 2003 may have been connected to a particularly violent thermal disturbance that killed trees and nearly boiled trails in the Norris Basin, where several geysers, including Steamboat, are located.


Article source: https://www.smh.com.au/national/western-australia/karratha-to-brisbane-flights-scheduled-to-begin-in-june-20180405-p4z7wy.html?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

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