Steamboat Geyser
Steamboat Geyser, in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin, is the world's tallest currently-active geyser. During major eruptions, water may be thrown more than 300 feet (90 m) into the air.[3]
Steamboat's major eruptions last from 3 to 40 minutes, and are followed by powerful jets of steam. Steamboat does not erupt on a predictable schedule, with recorded intervals between major eruptions ranging from four days to fifty years. The geyser was dormant from 1911 to 1961. Minor eruptions of 10 to 15 feet (3–5 m) are much more frequent. After an eruption, the geyser often vents large amounts of steam for up to 48 hours.[4] Cistern Spring, located nearby, will drain completely during a major eruption of the geyser; the spring refills within a few days.
Prior to 1904, Waimangu Geyser, in New Zealand, had some taller eruptions capable of reaching 1,600 feet (490 m),but in 1904, a landslide changed the local water table, and since then, Waimangu has not erupted.[5] Excelsior Geyser in Yellowstone's Midway Geyser Basin likewise was taller, with eruptions reaching 300 feet (91 m). However, Excelsior has not erupted since 1985,[6] and is now classified as a hot spring.
The last eruption of Steamboat Geyser occurred on 3 September 2014.[7] The last ten major eruptions were on the following dates:[8]
- October 2, 1991
- May 2, 2000
- April 26, 2002
- September 13, 2002
- March 26, 2003
- April 27, 2003
- October 22, 2003
- May 23, 2005
- July 31, 2013
- September 3, 2014
Steamboat Geyser has two vents, a northern and a southern, approximately five meters apart.
| Images of Steamboat Geyser |
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| Major eruption on May 23, 2005 |
| Major eruption on May 23, 2005 |
| Steam venting on May 24, 2005 |
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References
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| Geothermal features, historic structures and other attractions in the Norris and Madison Junction areas | | | Norris Geyser Basin | | |
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| | Gibbon Geyser Basin | |
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| | Structures and History | |
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| | Geography and Geology | |
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