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Can we use the heat from Yellowstone for energy?

Geothermal energy (heat energy from the Earth's interior), is used to generate electricity in a variety of places throughout the world. Although Yellowstone National Park and its surroundings are a significant geothermal resource, the Park itself is off limits to development. Geothermal developments often cause a decrease in the flow of nearby hot springs and other geothermal features (like geysers), so it is questionable whether anyone could get permission to develop geothermal energy in the region outside the park.

There are other natural heat sources in the United States that are being used for geothermal energy. In California, about 4-5 gigawatts of electricity is generated at power plants at The Geysers, Salton Sea, Coso, Casa Diablo, and other geothermal systems. This is enough to provide energy for several million people. There are also geothermal power plants in Nevada and Utah. A geothermal power plant in Hawaii was closed in 2018 due to lava flows from Kilauea volcano.

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column of white water and steam shooting up out of the ground. blue skies.

Can we drill into Yellowstone to stop it from erupting?

In some cases, limited scientific drilling for research can help us understand magmatic and hydrothermal (hot water) systems; however, drilling to mitigate a volcanic threat is a much different subject with unknown consequences, high costs, and severe environmental impacts. In addition to the enormous expense and technological difficulties in drilling through hot, mushy rock, drilling is unlikely...

link

Can we drill into Yellowstone to stop it from erupting?

In some cases, limited scientific drilling for research can help us understand magmatic and hydrothermal (hot water) systems; however, drilling to mitigate a volcanic threat is a much different subject with unknown consequences, high costs, and severe environmental impacts. In addition to the enormous expense and technological difficulties in drilling through hot, mushy rock, drilling is unlikely...

Learn More
link
river meandering through wide valley, with wisps of stem rising at various spots. Illuminated at sunset, with golden reflections

How hot is Yellowstone?

Yellowstone is a plateau high in the Rocky Mountains, and is snowbound for over six months per year. The mean annual temperature is 2.2°C (36°F), barely above the freezing point of water. However, Yellowstone is also an active geothermal area with hot springs emerging at ~92°C (~198°F) (the boiling point of water at Yellowstone's mean altitude) and steam vents reported as high as 135°C (275°F)...

link

How hot is Yellowstone?

Yellowstone is a plateau high in the Rocky Mountains, and is snowbound for over six months per year. The mean annual temperature is 2.2°C (36°F), barely above the freezing point of water. However, Yellowstone is also an active geothermal area with hot springs emerging at ~92°C (~198°F) (the boiling point of water at Yellowstone's mean altitude) and steam vents reported as high as 135°C (275°F)...

Learn More
link
Scientist sampling water at Azure Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park

What is the relationship between volcanism and the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone?

Heat and volcanic gases from slowly cooling magma rise and warm the dense salty water that occupies fractured rocks above the Yellowstone magma chamber. That brine, in turn, transfers its heat to overlying fresh groundwater, which is recharged by rainfall and snowmelt from the surface. Water boiling at depth below the surface is hotter than the temperature of boiling at the surface. If it rises...

link

What is the relationship between volcanism and the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone?

Heat and volcanic gases from slowly cooling magma rise and warm the dense salty water that occupies fractured rocks above the Yellowstone magma chamber. That brine, in turn, transfers its heat to overlying fresh groundwater, which is recharged by rainfall and snowmelt from the surface. Water boiling at depth below the surface is hotter than the temperature of boiling at the surface. If it rises...

Learn More
link
Excelsior Geyser erupting as a violent hydrothermal explosion. The ...

What type of eruption will Yellowstone have if it erupts again?

The most likely explosive event to occur at Yellowstone is actually a hydrothermal explosion—a rock-hurling geyser eruption—or a lava flow. Hydrothermal explosions are very small; they occur in Yellowstone National Park every few years and form a crater a few meters across. Every few thousand years, a hydrothermal explosion will form a crater as much as a few hundred meters across.Though the worst...

link

What type of eruption will Yellowstone have if it erupts again?

The most likely explosive event to occur at Yellowstone is actually a hydrothermal explosion—a rock-hurling geyser eruption—or a lava flow. Hydrothermal explosions are very small; they occur in Yellowstone National Park every few years and form a crater a few meters across. Every few thousand years, a hydrothermal explosion will form a crater as much as a few hundred meters across.Though the worst...

Learn More
link
Image: Damage in Residential Area

How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

link

How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

Learn More
link
a graph of Groundwater flow patterns and the freshwater-saltwater transition zone in an idealized coastal aquifer

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table.Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not form underground rivers. It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock, much the same way that water fills a sponge. If groundwater flows...

link

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table.Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not form underground rivers. It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock, much the same way that water fills a sponge. If groundwater flows...

Learn More
boiling water and white steam blasting up out of erupting geyser with snow on the ground
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A geothermal power plant
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Hot springs in Yellowstone.
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Old Faithful Geyser in eruption
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column of white water and steam shooting up out of the ground. blue skies.
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steam rising from a geyser on a quiet river bank
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erupting geyser with rainbow in midground. tall trees in background
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Image: Geothermal Plant
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video thumbnail: Yes! Yellowstone is a Volcano (Part 1 of 3)
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Scenery: Valley surrounded by forested mountains. Multiple wisps of steam rise from the valley floor at various locations.
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Image: Ear Spring, Yellowstone National Park
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Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2020 annual report

The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) monitors volcanic and hydrothermal activity associated with the Yellowstone magmatic system, conducts research into magmatic processes occurring beneath Yellowstone Caldera, and issues timely warnings and guidance related to potential future geologic hazards. This report summarizes the activities and findings of YVO during the year 2020, focusing on the Ye
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Geologic field-trip guide to the volcanic and hydrothermal landscape of the Yellowstone Plateau

Yellowstone National Park, a nearly 9,000 km2 (~3,468 mi2) area, was preserved in 1872 as the world’s first national park for its unique, extraordinary, and magnificent natural features. Rimmed by a crescent of older mountainous terrain, Yellowstone National Park has at its core the Quaternary Yellowstone Plateau, an undulating landscape shaped by forces of late Cenozoic explosive and effusive vol
By
Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Hydrogeology of the Old Faithful area, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and its relevance to natural resources and infrastructure

A panel of leading experts (The Old Faithful Science Review Panel) was convened by Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to review and summarize the geological and hydrological understanding that can inform National Park Service management of the Upper Geyser Basin area. We give an overview of present geological and hydrological knowledge of the Old Faithful hydrothermal (hot water) system and related t
By
Water Resources, Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

Steam explosions, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions -- what's in Yellowstone's future?

Yellowstone, one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems, has produced several giant volcanic eruptions in the past few million years, as well as many smaller eruptions and steam explosions. Although no eruptions of lava or volcanic ash have occurred for many thousands of years, future eruptions are likely. In the next few hundred years, hazards will most probably be limited to ongoing geys
By
Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

Geothermal energy: clean power from the Earth's heat

Societies in the 21st century require enormous amounts of energy to drive the machines of commerce and to sustain the lifestyles that many people have come to expect. Today, most of this energy is derived from oil, natural gas, and coal, supplemented by nuclear power. Local exceptions exist, but oil is by far the most common source of energy worldwide. Oil resources, however, are nonrenewable and

The Beowawe Geysers, Nevada, before geothermal development

Whistle, a nearly dormant geyser in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; the first geyser to be studied by research drilling

Effects of potential geothermal development in the Corwin Springs Known Geothermal Resources Area, Montana, on the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park

link

The complicated plumbing of hot springs and steam vents in Yellowstone National Park

Exploration and sampling of Yellowstone's thermal areas indicates that Yellowstone's hot springs often have surprisingly complex plumbing systems. It...

Read Article
link

The Complex Dynamics of Geyser Eruptions

Despite two centuries of scientific study, basic questions persist about geysers—why do they exist? What determines their behavior?

Read Article
link

Science Report Guides Protection of Old Faithful Thermal Features and Historic Yellowstone Buildings

A newly published scientific report on the geology and hydrology in the area around Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park includes suggestions on...

Read Article

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    column of white water and steam shooting up out of the ground. blue skies.

    Can we drill into Yellowstone to stop it from erupting?

    In some cases, limited scientific drilling for research can help us understand magmatic and hydrothermal (hot water) systems; however, drilling to mitigate a volcanic threat is a much different subject with unknown consequences, high costs, and severe environmental impacts. In addition to the enormous expense and technological difficulties in drilling through hot, mushy rock, drilling is unlikely...

    link

    Can we drill into Yellowstone to stop it from erupting?

    In some cases, limited scientific drilling for research can help us understand magmatic and hydrothermal (hot water) systems; however, drilling to mitigate a volcanic threat is a much different subject with unknown consequences, high costs, and severe environmental impacts. In addition to the enormous expense and technological difficulties in drilling through hot, mushy rock, drilling is unlikely...

    Learn More
    link
    river meandering through wide valley, with wisps of stem rising at various spots. Illuminated at sunset, with golden reflections

    How hot is Yellowstone?

    Yellowstone is a plateau high in the Rocky Mountains, and is snowbound for over six months per year. The mean annual temperature is 2.2°C (36°F), barely above the freezing point of water. However, Yellowstone is also an active geothermal area with hot springs emerging at ~92°C (~198°F) (the boiling point of water at Yellowstone's mean altitude) and steam vents reported as high as 135°C (275°F)...

    link

    How hot is Yellowstone?

    Yellowstone is a plateau high in the Rocky Mountains, and is snowbound for over six months per year. The mean annual temperature is 2.2°C (36°F), barely above the freezing point of water. However, Yellowstone is also an active geothermal area with hot springs emerging at ~92°C (~198°F) (the boiling point of water at Yellowstone's mean altitude) and steam vents reported as high as 135°C (275°F)...

    Learn More
    link
    Scientist sampling water at Azure Hot Spring, Yellowstone National Park

    What is the relationship between volcanism and the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone?

    Heat and volcanic gases from slowly cooling magma rise and warm the dense salty water that occupies fractured rocks above the Yellowstone magma chamber. That brine, in turn, transfers its heat to overlying fresh groundwater, which is recharged by rainfall and snowmelt from the surface. Water boiling at depth below the surface is hotter than the temperature of boiling at the surface. If it rises...

    link

    What is the relationship between volcanism and the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone?

    Heat and volcanic gases from slowly cooling magma rise and warm the dense salty water that occupies fractured rocks above the Yellowstone magma chamber. That brine, in turn, transfers its heat to overlying fresh groundwater, which is recharged by rainfall and snowmelt from the surface. Water boiling at depth below the surface is hotter than the temperature of boiling at the surface. If it rises...

    Learn More
    link
    Excelsior Geyser erupting as a violent hydrothermal explosion. The ...

    What type of eruption will Yellowstone have if it erupts again?

    The most likely explosive event to occur at Yellowstone is actually a hydrothermal explosion—a rock-hurling geyser eruption—or a lava flow. Hydrothermal explosions are very small; they occur in Yellowstone National Park every few years and form a crater a few meters across. Every few thousand years, a hydrothermal explosion will form a crater as much as a few hundred meters across.Though the worst...

    link

    What type of eruption will Yellowstone have if it erupts again?

    The most likely explosive event to occur at Yellowstone is actually a hydrothermal explosion—a rock-hurling geyser eruption—or a lava flow. Hydrothermal explosions are very small; they occur in Yellowstone National Park every few years and form a crater a few meters across. Every few thousand years, a hydrothermal explosion will form a crater as much as a few hundred meters across.Though the worst...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Damage in Residential Area

    How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

    Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

    link

    How can an earthquake affect groundwater or changes in wells?

    Groundwater levels in wells may oscillate up and down while seismic waves pass, and in some cases, the water level may remain higher or lower for a period of time after the seismic wavetrain has ended.Learn more:Groundwater Effects from EarthquakesGroundwater Response to Earthquakes

    Learn More
    link
    a graph of Groundwater flow patterns and the freshwater-saltwater transition zone in an idealized coastal aquifer

    What is groundwater?

    Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table.Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not form underground rivers. It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock, much the same way that water fills a sponge. If groundwater flows...

    link

    What is groundwater?

    Groundwater is water that exists underground in saturated zones beneath the land surface. The upper surface of the saturated zone is called the water table.Contrary to popular belief, groundwater does not form underground rivers. It fills the pores and fractures in underground materials such as sand, gravel, and other rock, much the same way that water fills a sponge. If groundwater flows...

    Learn More
  • Multimedia
    boiling water and white steam blasting up out of erupting geyser with snow on the ground
    link
    A geothermal power plant
    link
    Hot springs in Yellowstone.
    link
    Old Faithful Geyser in eruption
    link
    column of white water and steam shooting up out of the ground. blue skies.
    link
    steam rising from a geyser on a quiet river bank
    link
    erupting geyser with rainbow in midground. tall trees in background
    link
    link
    Image: Geothermal Plant
    link
    link
    video thumbnail: Yes! Yellowstone is a Volcano (Part 1 of 3)
    link
    Scenery: Valley surrounded by forested mountains. Multiple wisps of steam rise from the valley floor at various locations.
    link
    Image: Ear Spring, Yellowstone National Park
    link
  • Publications

    Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2020 annual report

    The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) monitors volcanic and hydrothermal activity associated with the Yellowstone magmatic system, conducts research into magmatic processes occurring beneath Yellowstone Caldera, and issues timely warnings and guidance related to potential future geologic hazards. This report summarizes the activities and findings of YVO during the year 2020, focusing on the Ye
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Geologic field-trip guide to the volcanic and hydrothermal landscape of the Yellowstone Plateau

    Yellowstone National Park, a nearly 9,000 km2 (~3,468 mi2) area, was preserved in 1872 as the world’s first national park for its unique, extraordinary, and magnificent natural features. Rimmed by a crescent of older mountainous terrain, Yellowstone National Park has at its core the Quaternary Yellowstone Plateau, an undulating landscape shaped by forces of late Cenozoic explosive and effusive vol
    By
    Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Hydrogeology of the Old Faithful area, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and its relevance to natural resources and infrastructure

    A panel of leading experts (The Old Faithful Science Review Panel) was convened by Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to review and summarize the geological and hydrological understanding that can inform National Park Service management of the Upper Geyser Basin area. We give an overview of present geological and hydrological knowledge of the Old Faithful hydrothermal (hot water) system and related t
    By
    Water Resources, Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center, Utah Water Science Center

    Steam explosions, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions -- what's in Yellowstone's future?

    Yellowstone, one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems, has produced several giant volcanic eruptions in the past few million years, as well as many smaller eruptions and steam explosions. Although no eruptions of lava or volcanic ash have occurred for many thousands of years, future eruptions are likely. In the next few hundred years, hazards will most probably be limited to ongoing geys
    By
    Natural Hazards, Volcano Hazards, Volcano Science Center

    Geothermal energy: clean power from the Earth's heat

    Societies in the 21st century require enormous amounts of energy to drive the machines of commerce and to sustain the lifestyles that many people have come to expect. Today, most of this energy is derived from oil, natural gas, and coal, supplemented by nuclear power. Local exceptions exist, but oil is by far the most common source of energy worldwide. Oil resources, however, are nonrenewable and

    The Beowawe Geysers, Nevada, before geothermal development

    Whistle, a nearly dormant geyser in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; the first geyser to be studied by research drilling

    Effects of potential geothermal development in the Corwin Springs Known Geothermal Resources Area, Montana, on the thermal features of Yellowstone National Park

  • News
    link

    The complicated plumbing of hot springs and steam vents in Yellowstone National Park

    Exploration and sampling of Yellowstone's thermal areas indicates that Yellowstone's hot springs often have surprisingly complex plumbing systems. It...

    Read Article
    link

    The Complex Dynamics of Geyser Eruptions

    Despite two centuries of scientific study, basic questions persist about geysers—why do they exist? What determines their behavior?

    Read Article
    link

    Science Report Guides Protection of Old Faithful Thermal Features and Historic Yellowstone Buildings

    A newly published scientific report on the geology and hydrology in the area around Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park includes suggestions on...

    Read Article