Yellowstone Volcano Observatory
News
Thousands of years of caldera inflation and deflation recorded in the shoreline of Yellowstone Lake
Thanks to technology like GPS (Global Positioning System), scientists know that the ground at Yellowstone moves up and down at a rate of a few centimeters—about an inch—per year. But what was happening to the caldera before scientists had the ability to make these measurements? Yellowstone Lake holds the key, with a record of deformation that extends back thousands of years!
What can Yellowstone’s warm lakes tell us about thermal features?
Yellowstone’s most famous thermal areas, like Norris Geyser Basin, are located on land, but a surprising number of thermal areas are also present beneath the region’s lakes. Thermal satellite data can help to identify and characterize these hidden sources of heat!
Understanding Your Community’s Volcano Hazard Risk is One Way to Plan During National Preparedness Month
Disasters and emergencies can happen at any time, often without warning. Natural hazards threaten thousands of lives and cause billions of dollars in damage every year throughout the nation.
Pushing the boundaries: Montana State University updates Yellowstone’s geologic map
What better way to celebrate the upcoming 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park than with an updated geologic map? Scientists and students from Montana State University are spending this summer doing just that!
The story of a Yellowstone icon: Old Faithful Geyser
Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in the world, but who named the iconic feature? And how does the current frequency of its eruptions compare to when it was first described?
From Observations to Insights—How Scientists Use Models to Study What’s Going on Under the Grizzlies’ Feet
Scientists of all disciplines talk about models—models of how a virus works, or the universe formed, or the structure of an atom. Models can also help volcanologists understand what is happening beneath the ground!
Why do most geyser- and sinter-producing hot springs have alkaline (basic) pH?
It’s a common misconception that all geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone are acidic. Some are, but the water that comes out of many of Yellowstone’s most iconic features, like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, is actually basic. But why
Tree rings record spikes in magmatic CO2 emissions at Yellowstone
Volcanologists have a variety of ways of measuring present-day gas emissions from volcanoes. But what about gas emissions that happened in years past, before measurements were possible? For these periods, it turns out that you can actually read the signature of gas emissions in tree rings!
The geology of a Yellowstone jewel: Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley is a gorgeous expanse of grassland and meadows located right in the center of Yellowstone National Park. It is a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for viewing some of Yellowstone’s most iconic animals. But why does this meadow exist in the midst of what is otherwise a high-altitude forest of lodgepole pine trees? The area’s geology holds the key
Photography and 3-dimensional data help to better understand Yellowstone National Park’s thermal features
Yellowstone’s thermal features, like geysers and mud pots, are delicate and dangerous. So how can scientists get a close-up view of these structures to monitor their changes through time? It turns out that photography holds the key. In fact, with a series of well-aimed and calibrated photos, it is possible to construct three-dimensional models of Yellowstone’s most famous geyser cones!
How old are Yellowstone's large geysers? We don't exactly know!
It seems like a simple question: how old is a geyser? We know that all of Yellowstone’s current geysers formed after the last glaciers scoured the land surface about 15,000 years ago. But what happened since that time?
What Goes into Operating the Yellowstone Seismic Network?
Have you ever wondered just what went in to going from ground shaking detected by a seismometer to a located earthquake available for viewing online? In this week’s Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles, we trace the path from the ground in Yellowstone to your web browser!