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Sloshing Detected in Yellowstone Lake Helps to Locate Magma Storage Region
March 20, 2013
USGS postdoctoral fellow Karen Luttrell, together with colleagues from UNAVCO and elsewhere, recently published an article in Geophysical Research Letters (GRL) revealing how the presence of magma beneath the ground at Yellowstone allows the deformation signal from a standing wave (seiche - pronounced "say-sh") in Yellowstone Lake to travel further than it would in the earth's crust under normal (magma-free) conditions. Highly sensitive instruments picked up the seiche signal up to 30 km (19 mi) from Yellowstone Lake when the signal would typically only be observed within a few kilometers. The authors estimate that magma is present starting at 3—6 km (2—4 mi) beneath the ground surface, and that the magma is mostly crystallized but is still partly molten. Read our web article to learn more, or download the full research paper at the GRL website.
March 20, 2013
USGS postdoctoral fellow Karen Luttrell, together with colleagues from UNAVCO and elsewhere, recently published an article in Geophysical Research Letters (GRL) revealing how the presence of magma beneath the ground at Yellowstone allows the deformation signal from a standing wave (seiche - pronounced "say-sh") in Yellowstone Lake to travel further than it would in the earth's crust under normal (magma-free) conditions. Highly sensitive instruments picked up the seiche signal up to 30 km (19 mi) from Yellowstone Lake when the signal would typically only be observed within a few kilometers. The authors estimate that magma is present starting at 3—6 km (2—4 mi) beneath the ground surface, and that the magma is mostly crystallized but is still partly molten. Read our web article to learn more, or download the full research paper at the GRL website.
Gases in Brimstone Basin Indicate Heated Pasts
February 19, 2013
Within Yellowstone National Park, there are areas where the ground is altered and bleached to various shades of white and gray. Typically, these are thermal areas – locations where heated gases rise through and escape from the earth. However, some sites with altered ground show no signs of heat release and are assumed to be locations of pre-historic heating. New research by YVO gas chemists shows that one of these non-thermal acid-altered sites releases a surprisingly large amount of cold gas, and evidence from their study links these cold gases to warmer temperatures below. Read the YVO web article or the full research paper in Chemical Geology.
February 19, 2013
Within Yellowstone National Park, there are areas where the ground is altered and bleached to various shades of white and gray. Typically, these are thermal areas – locations where heated gases rise through and escape from the earth. However, some sites with altered ground show no signs of heat release and are assumed to be locations of pre-historic heating. New research by YVO gas chemists shows that one of these non-thermal acid-altered sites releases a surprisingly large amount of cold gas, and evidence from their study links these cold gases to warmer temperatures below. Read the YVO web article or the full research paper in Chemical Geology.
YVO Brings on New Member Organizations
January 14, 2013
Beginning in 2013, YVO officially welcomes several groups that have been important informal partners to the observatory for many years. Along with the USGS, Yellowstone National Park, and the University of Utah, YVO now includes the three state geological surveys of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, UNAVCO, Inc., and the University of Wyoming. The seismic network will continue to be operated by the University of Utah. More information about the YVO Consortium is available on the About YVO page.
January 14, 2013
Beginning in 2013, YVO officially welcomes several groups that have been important informal partners to the observatory for many years. Along with the USGS, Yellowstone National Park, and the University of Utah, YVO now includes the three state geological surveys of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, UNAVCO, Inc., and the University of Wyoming. The seismic network will continue to be operated by the University of Utah. More information about the YVO Consortium is available on the About YVO page.
YVO Webcam Is Offline
November 05, 2012
November 05, 2012
The YVO webcam is offline temporarily. We hope to get it up and running soon. Please be aware that the camera runs via a solar panel and cellular modem. Unlike most similar cameras, it does not have connection to either AC power or the internet. In the interim, here's a nice image from the camera taken the last week that the camera was operational.
YVO Webcam Has a New Home!
June 15, 2012
The YVO webcam has been moved from its old location at Lake Butte to a new vista above Biscuit Basin, at the north end of Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. The new camera offers a view of an area that has historically hosted a variety of rock-hurling hydrothermal (steam) eruptions. With this vantage point, it is possible that the camera will capture a similar event in the future.
June 15, 2012
The YVO webcam has been moved from its old location at Lake Butte to a new vista above Biscuit Basin, at the north end of Upper Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park. The new camera offers a view of an area that has historically hosted a variety of rock-hurling hydrothermal (steam) eruptions. With this vantage point, it is possible that the camera will capture a similar event in the future.
Taking the Temperature of Yellowstone from Space
June 08, 2012
We all know Yellowstone is hot… but how hot? And how can we detect park- or basin-wide changes in geothermal areas (regions that let off Earth's internal heat) that may take place over months, or years? USGS geologist Greg Vaughan and other YVO colleagues recently studied Yellowstone's thermal areas by looking at satellite-based remote sensing data from two NASA satellites. Using satellites that orbit around Earth to measure heat released from Yellowstone's hottest regions produced results that are similar ground-based measurements. Therefore, these space-based remote sensing methods can save time and assist in determining changes in thermal areas that may be too remote to access on foot. Vaughan and others published their findings in the July 2012 issue of the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. For more information, read the web article Taking the Temperature of Yellowstone from Space.
June 08, 2012
We all know Yellowstone is hot… but how hot? And how can we detect park- or basin-wide changes in geothermal areas (regions that let off Earth's internal heat) that may take place over months, or years? USGS geologist Greg Vaughan and other YVO colleagues recently studied Yellowstone's thermal areas by looking at satellite-based remote sensing data from two NASA satellites. Using satellites that orbit around Earth to measure heat released from Yellowstone's hottest regions produced results that are similar ground-based measurements. Therefore, these space-based remote sensing methods can save time and assist in determining changes in thermal areas that may be too remote to access on foot. Vaughan and others published their findings in the July 2012 issue of the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research. For more information, read the web article Taking the Temperature of Yellowstone from Space.
YVO Webcam is on the Move!
May 25, 2012
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory webcam has been relocated and will be operational in early Summer. An update will be posted describing the new location once the camera is up and running. Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements!
May 25, 2012
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory webcam has been relocated and will be operational in early Summer. An update will be posted describing the new location once the camera is up and running. Thank you for your patience while we make these improvements!
YVO Website Gets a New Look!
May 11, 2012
Welcome to the newly redesigned Yellowstone Volcano Observatory website! The new layout includes improvements to our multimedia display, monitoring data, and hazards information.
New Features:
May 11, 2012
Welcome to the newly redesigned Yellowstone Volcano Observatory website! The new layout includes improvements to our multimedia display, monitoring data, and hazards information.
New Features:
- Monitoring data is displayed as an interactive map
- Webcam images are located in Multimedia and on the monitoring map
- Hazards information is more detailed
- Frequently Asked Questions are organized by category
- Image Galleries are added for easy image browsing
Yellowstone Region Internet Mapping Service Now Available
April 17, 2012
A new geology information internet map service for the Yellowstone Plateau area is now available online. This useful tool was created by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS), with funding from the USGS through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act cooperative agreement. The internet map service and accompanying geological data server can be used by scientists, land managers and anyone wishing to learn more about the geology of Yellowstone. Based around the 2001 Geological Map of the Yellowstone Plateau Area by Robert Christiansen (USGS) the ARC GIS service delivers geologic maps, topographic bases, and information on trails, roads, thermal areas, and a variety of other features. It also lists monitoring infrastructure and can take the user to the relevant real-time seismic or deformation data. Data related to the map is available via the Wyoming State Geological Survey website.
Here are some questions you can answer with the Yellowstone IMS:
April 17, 2012
A new geology information internet map service for the Yellowstone Plateau area is now available online. This useful tool was created by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS), with funding from the USGS through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act cooperative agreement. The internet map service and accompanying geological data server can be used by scientists, land managers and anyone wishing to learn more about the geology of Yellowstone. Based around the 2001 Geological Map of the Yellowstone Plateau Area by Robert Christiansen (USGS) the ARC GIS service delivers geologic maps, topographic bases, and information on trails, roads, thermal areas, and a variety of other features. It also lists monitoring infrastructure and can take the user to the relevant real-time seismic or deformation data. Data related to the map is available via the Wyoming State Geological Survey website.
Here are some questions you can answer with the Yellowstone IMS:
- What geological units will my hike pass through?
- How many earthquakes have occurred at Yellowstone so far this year?
- Was the latest earthquake located near the caldera boundary?
- Where are thermal areas found in the Central Plateau?
- Where does high resolution topographic data (LiDAR) exist at Yellowstone?
- What is the closest seismometer to my hotel/home/campsite?
Yellowstone Region Internet Mapping Service Now Available
March 27, 2012
The USGS now hosts a new geology information internet map service for the Yellowstone Plateau area. This useful tool was created by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS), with funding from the USGS through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act cooperative agreement. The internet map service and accompanying geological data server can be used by scientists, land managers and anyone wishing to learn more about the geology of Yellowstone. Based around the 2001 Geological Map of the Yellowstone Plateau Area by Robert Christiansen (USGS) the ARC GIS service delivers geologic maps, topographic bases, and information on trails, roads, thermal areas, and a variety of other features. It also lists monitoring infrastructure and can take the user to the relevant real-time seismic or deformation data. The map server is also available via the Wyoming State Geological Survey, and most of the related data can be obtained through their website.
Here are some questions you can answer with the Yellowstone IMS:
March 27, 2012
The USGS now hosts a new geology information internet map service for the Yellowstone Plateau area. This useful tool was created by the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS), with funding from the USGS through an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act cooperative agreement. The internet map service and accompanying geological data server can be used by scientists, land managers and anyone wishing to learn more about the geology of Yellowstone. Based around the 2001 Geological Map of the Yellowstone Plateau Area by Robert Christiansen (USGS) the ARC GIS service delivers geologic maps, topographic bases, and information on trails, roads, thermal areas, and a variety of other features. It also lists monitoring infrastructure and can take the user to the relevant real-time seismic or deformation data. The map server is also available via the Wyoming State Geological Survey, and most of the related data can be obtained through their website.
Here are some questions you can answer with the Yellowstone IMS:
- What geological units will my hike pass through?
- How many earthquakes have occurred at Yellowstone so far this year?
- Was the latest earthquake located near the caldera boundary?
- Where are thermal areas found in the Central Plateau?
- Where does high resolution topographic data (LiDAR) exist at Yellowstone?
- What is the closest seismometer to my hotel/home/campsite?
Surface Displacements in Yellowstone Catalogued
March 26, 2012
USGS geologist Dan Dzurisin and coauthors recently completed a long-term compilation of geodetic data from Yellowstone, summarizing data campaigns to constrain uplift and subsidence cycles in the Yellowstone Caldera with techniques including leveling surveys, GPS stations and InSAR. Dzurisin and colleagues discuss various models to explain the remarkable dynamism of the caldera with its frequent alternating cycles of movement. They conclude that uplift and subsidence are controlled by a complex interplay of deep input of basaltic magma, degassing and crystallization of the overlying rhyolite, and fluid transport out of the caldera toward the north. The entire report is available online, which includes a web-based archive of geodetic benchmarks used for the GPS and leveling studies.
March 26, 2012
USGS geologist Dan Dzurisin and coauthors recently completed a long-term compilation of geodetic data from Yellowstone, summarizing data campaigns to constrain uplift and subsidence cycles in the Yellowstone Caldera with techniques including leveling surveys, GPS stations and InSAR. Dzurisin and colleagues discuss various models to explain the remarkable dynamism of the caldera with its frequent alternating cycles of movement. They conclude that uplift and subsidence are controlled by a complex interplay of deep input of basaltic magma, degassing and crystallization of the overlying rhyolite, and fluid transport out of the caldera toward the north. The entire report is available online, which includes a web-based archive of geodetic benchmarks used for the GPS and leveling studies.
Tiny Bubbles in the Noise
January 10, 2012
January 10, 2012
USGS scientist Phil Dawson and colleagues have applied a novel research approach to voice recognition software. In their January 2012 paper, published in Geophysical Research Letters, they utilize this software to discover that background seismic activity in geyser basins can be intimately linked to daily cycles of heating and cooling. For more information read the web article in the Yellowstone volcano earthquake monitoring section.
Study Reveals Gassy Link to Past Earthquake Swarm
October 01, 2011
A collaborative study by USGS and other scientists uses tree growth rings to determine whether geothermal gas output increased after the 1978 earthquake swarm at Yellowstone. By measuring the amount of a specific isotope of carbon (carbon-14) in the rings, the researchers calculated that gas discharge more than doubled at the time of the swarm. The team hopes to use techniques like this to better understand the earthquake record at Yellowstone. For more information, please read the article in the Yellowstone volcano earthquake monitoring section of this website. The full article is published in Geology.
October 01, 2011
A collaborative study by USGS and other scientists uses tree growth rings to determine whether geothermal gas output increased after the 1978 earthquake swarm at Yellowstone. By measuring the amount of a specific isotope of carbon (carbon-14) in the rings, the researchers calculated that gas discharge more than doubled at the time of the swarm. The team hopes to use techniques like this to better understand the earthquake record at Yellowstone. For more information, please read the article in the Yellowstone volcano earthquake monitoring section of this website. The full article is published in Geology.
Ice and Snow at Yellowstone Cause Telemetry Problems
February 13, 2011
February 13, 2011
Recent telemetry problems, from ice and snow buildup on data transmission antennas, have caused intermittent malfunctions of the University of Utah's automated earthquake location system. The malfunctions result in false earthquake reports, which upon review, are then manually deleted from the earthquake catalog. The snow and ice buildup interferes with the continuous streaming of seismic data causing occasional signal dropouts. The dropouts cause spikes to appear in the data streams, which the automated system misinterprets as the abrupt appearance of a high amplitude seismic wave from an earthquake. Windy conditions, common this time of year, exacerbate the problem by contributing additional noise and thereby reducing the overall signal quality of the seismic data streams. In most cases, seismologists at the University of Utah can overcome these problems and still identify and locate earthquakes correctly. Seismic activity at Yellowstone remains at background levels.
By checking the webicorder displays one can easily discern whether an actual earthquake has occurred. Please see this tutorial for how to interpret the webicorders.
More information about errors in the real-time earthquake system that lead to erroneous reports can be found here: Earthquake Hazards Program Errata for Real-time Earthquakes page.
Yellowstone Research from the University of Utah
January 04, 2011
Scientists from the University of Utah, a YVO partner, recently published two articles in Geophysical Research Letters. The first article, written by Jamie Farrell and colleagues, summarizes research on the Yellowstone Lake swarm of late 2008 and early 2009. The other article, written by Wu-Lung Chang and colleagues, discusses the temporal properties of the accelerated caldera uplift between 2004 and 2010. Read our short web article to learn more.
January 04, 2011
Scientists from the University of Utah, a YVO partner, recently published two articles in Geophysical Research Letters. The first article, written by Jamie Farrell and colleagues, summarizes research on the Yellowstone Lake swarm of late 2008 and early 2009. The other article, written by Wu-Lung Chang and colleagues, discusses the temporal properties of the accelerated caldera uplift between 2004 and 2010. Read our short web article to learn more.
Information about Media Coverage of Yellowstone Volcano in January, 2011
January 01, 2011
An article published by National Geographic on January 19, 2011 highlighted the current research results of scientists from YVO partner University of Utah (UU) and the National Central University of Taiwan. The National Geographic piece has led to several subsequent articles about Yellowstone, some of which misrepresent the research, current geological activity, and the potential for future eruptions. Geological activity over the past five years includes widespread ground uplift and two notable earthquake swarms. Though scientifically interesting, such events are common in large caldera systems like Yellowstone, and are not indicative of an imminent eruption. Moreover, the research described ground uplift that stopped about a year ago. For more information, please read the articles describing the University of Utah research via the Geophysical Research Letters website or download it as a pdf.
January 01, 2011
An article published by National Geographic on January 19, 2011 highlighted the current research results of scientists from YVO partner University of Utah (UU) and the National Central University of Taiwan. The National Geographic piece has led to several subsequent articles about Yellowstone, some of which misrepresent the research, current geological activity, and the potential for future eruptions. Geological activity over the past five years includes widespread ground uplift and two notable earthquake swarms. Though scientifically interesting, such events are common in large caldera systems like Yellowstone, and are not indicative of an imminent eruption. Moreover, the research described ground uplift that stopped about a year ago. For more information, please read the articles describing the University of Utah research via the Geophysical Research Letters website or download it as a pdf.
More Rapid Earthquake Location Information
October 01, 2010
October 01, 2010
Beginning October 1, 2010, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations has reduced the threshold from M 2.5 to M 1.5 for automated plotting of earthquakes for the Yellowstone region. For more information please see the UUSS announcement. See today's earthquake map.
Hazards Response Protocols for YVO
June 01, 2010
June 01, 2010
A report, "Protocols for Geologic Hazards Response by the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory," has just been published. The document summarizes the protocols and tools that the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) will now use during earthquakes, hydrothermal explosions, or other geological activity that could lead to a volcanic eruption. This USGS circular was written by an inter-organizational group of scientists, land managers, and emergency responders that met in November 2008 in Bozeman, Montana.
Norris Geyser Basin Temperature Plots
June 01, 2010
June 01, 2010
YVO has finished installing a series of radio-equipped temperature sensors to document changes in water flow and heat discharge in the Norris Geyser Basin. Daily, weekly, and monthly temperature plots are now available from our new monitoring page, "Taking the Temperature of the Norris Geyser Basin."
Technologies Reveal Hydrothermal Activity and Geologic Features
May 01, 2010
Yellowstone National Park geologists Cheryl Jaworowski and Henry Heasler published a paper with two university colleagues to illustrate how FLIR and LiDAR can be used to characterize hydrothermal activity at Yellowstone National Park. Please see the New technologies help characterize hydrothermal activity at Yellowstone article for more information.
May 01, 2010
Yellowstone National Park geologists Cheryl Jaworowski and Henry Heasler published a paper with two university colleagues to illustrate how FLIR and LiDAR can be used to characterize hydrothermal activity at Yellowstone National Park. Please see the New technologies help characterize hydrothermal activity at Yellowstone article for more information.
View Yellowstone Lake Using the New YVO Mobile Webcam
May 01, 2010
YVO has installed mobile webcam that can be moved to various places of interest in Yellowstone National Park. The initial view is toward Steamboat Point, Mary Bay and the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. This area of Yellowstone Lake is known for its history of hydrothermal activity and steam explosions. Please see the webcam page for new images each hour and more information.
May 01, 2010
YVO has installed mobile webcam that can be moved to various places of interest in Yellowstone National Park. The initial view is toward Steamboat Point, Mary Bay and the north shore of Yellowstone Lake. This area of Yellowstone Lake is known for its history of hydrothermal activity and steam explosions. Please see the webcam page for new images each hour and more information.
Summary of 2010 Madison Plateau Swarm, University of Utah
April 01, 2010
Recent earthquakes on the west side of Yellowstone caldera are considered part of the intense January/February 2010 earthquake swarm of ~2,350 earthquakes. Earthquakes in this area continue to occur at a very reduced rate since the January main swarm sequence. A slight increase in earthquake occurrence has occurred in April 2010 with more than 30 earthquakes recorded in the area of the earlier swarm. The largest of these events was a magnitude 3.3 on April 3, 2010 but none of the March-April events have been reported felt. The rate of earthquake occurrence in this swarm is not unusual for Yellowstone where more than 80 independent swarms have been identified in the past 25 years. See the web article for more information.
April 01, 2010
Recent earthquakes on the west side of Yellowstone caldera are considered part of the intense January/February 2010 earthquake swarm of ~2,350 earthquakes. Earthquakes in this area continue to occur at a very reduced rate since the January main swarm sequence. A slight increase in earthquake occurrence has occurred in April 2010 with more than 30 earthquakes recorded in the area of the earlier swarm. The largest of these events was a magnitude 3.3 on April 3, 2010 but none of the March-April events have been reported felt. The rate of earthquake occurrence in this swarm is not unusual for Yellowstone where more than 80 independent swarms have been identified in the past 25 years. See the web article for more information.
New Earthquake Swarm at Yellowstone
January 19, 2010
The University of Utah reports that a notable swarm of small earthquakes has occurred throughout the evening of January 17 and morning of January 18, 2010, in Yellowstone National Park. The swarm is located about 10 miles northwest of Old Faithful, Wyoming and 9 miles southeast of West Yellowstone, MT. Please see the University of Utah Seismograph Stations for more information.
January 19, 2010
The University of Utah reports that a notable swarm of small earthquakes has occurred throughout the evening of January 17 and morning of January 18, 2010, in Yellowstone National Park. The swarm is located about 10 miles northwest of Old Faithful, Wyoming and 9 miles southeast of West Yellowstone, MT. Please see the University of Utah Seismograph Stations for more information.
Articles on Yellowstone Hot Spot and Hydrothermal Processes
December 01, 2009
The Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research recently (20 November 2009) published a special volume on the track of the Yellowstone Hot Spot. The journal was co-edited by USGS scientist Lisa Morgan and includes papers by YVO Coordinating Scientist Bob Smith and other colleagues. USGS scientist Lisa Morgan also co-wrote a special paper titled Hydrothermal Processes above the Yellowstone Magma Chamber: Large Hydrothermal Systems and Large Hydrothermal Explosions that can be purchased through the Geological Society of America website.
December 01, 2009
The Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research recently (20 November 2009) published a special volume on the track of the Yellowstone Hot Spot. The journal was co-edited by USGS scientist Lisa Morgan and includes papers by YVO Coordinating Scientist Bob Smith and other colleagues. USGS scientist Lisa Morgan also co-wrote a special paper titled Hydrothermal Processes above the Yellowstone Magma Chamber: Large Hydrothermal Systems and Large Hydrothermal Explosions that can be purchased through the Geological Society of America website.
Recovery Funding for USGS Volcano Observatories to Improve Monitoring and Public Safety
August 13, 2009
We are pleased to announce that YVO will receive $950,000 in USGS recovery American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The funds will be used to upgrade seismic and other monitoring systems within Yellowstone National Park and to create new software tools, alarming capabilities and display systems for our partners and collaborating state agencies. For more information, please see the Recovery Funding for Yellowstone and Other Volcano Observatories to Improve Monitoring and Public Safety press release.
August 13, 2009
We are pleased to announce that YVO will receive $950,000 in USGS recovery American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. The funds will be used to upgrade seismic and other monitoring systems within Yellowstone National Park and to create new software tools, alarming capabilities and display systems for our partners and collaborating state agencies. For more information, please see the Recovery Funding for Yellowstone and Other Volcano Observatories to Improve Monitoring and Public Safety press release.
Yellowstone Lake Earthquake Swarm Summary
December 29, 2008
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a notable swarm of earthquakes has been underway since December 26 beneath Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, three to six miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, Wyoming. This energetic sequence of events was most intense on December 27, when the largest number of events of magnitude 3 and larger occurred. More information is included in our web article on this topic.
December 29, 2008
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a notable swarm of earthquakes has been underway since December 26 beneath Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, three to six miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, Wyoming. This energetic sequence of events was most intense on December 27, when the largest number of events of magnitude 3 and larger occurred. More information is included in our web article on this topic.
Earthquake Swarm Beneath Yellowstone Lake
December 27, 2008
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a swarm of small earthquakes of magnitude 3.5 and smaller is occurring beneath Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, five to nine miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, Wyoming. The swarm began the afternoon of Dec. 26, and has continued and intensified through the 27th. The two largest earthquakes in this swarm have been shocks of magnitude 3.5 and 3.4 which occurred at 1:17 and 1:26 pm MST, respectively, Dec. 27. Many smaller earthquakes have also occurred, including three events this morning of magnitude 2.5 to 2.8 and a magnitude 3.2 event at 3:30 pm MST. Some of the earthquakes in the swarm have been reported felt by people in the Yellowstone Lake area. Swarms of this nature are relatively common in this part of Yellowstone Park.
December 27, 2008
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a swarm of small earthquakes of magnitude 3.5 and smaller is occurring beneath Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone National Park, five to nine miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, Wyoming. The swarm began the afternoon of Dec. 26, and has continued and intensified through the 27th. The two largest earthquakes in this swarm have been shocks of magnitude 3.5 and 3.4 which occurred at 1:17 and 1:26 pm MST, respectively, Dec. 27. Many smaller earthquakes have also occurred, including three events this morning of magnitude 2.5 to 2.8 and a magnitude 3.2 event at 3:30 pm MST. Some of the earthquakes in the swarm have been reported felt by people in the Yellowstone Lake area. Swarms of this nature are relatively common in this part of Yellowstone Park.
What Makes an Old Geyser Faithful?
June 09, 2008
New research suggests that how often Old Faithful and other Yellowstone geysers erupt may depend on annual rainfall patterns. USGS scientist Shaul Hurwitz along with colleagues at Stanford and Yellowstone National Park have discovered that changes of water supply to a geyser's underground plumbing may have a large influence on eruption intervals; that is, the time between eruptions. For example, geysers appear to lengthen and shorten their intervals on cycles that mimic annual dry and wet periods. The study results were published in the article, Climate-induced variations of geyser periodicity in Yellowstone National Park, USA, in the June issue of the journal Geology.
June 09, 2008
New research suggests that how often Old Faithful and other Yellowstone geysers erupt may depend on annual rainfall patterns. USGS scientist Shaul Hurwitz along with colleagues at Stanford and Yellowstone National Park have discovered that changes of water supply to a geyser's underground plumbing may have a large influence on eruption intervals; that is, the time between eruptions. For example, geysers appear to lengthen and shorten their intervals on cycles that mimic annual dry and wet periods. The study results were published in the article, Climate-induced variations of geyser periodicity in Yellowstone National Park, USA, in the June issue of the journal Geology.
Geysers are rare hot springs that periodically erupt bursts of steam and hot water. Yellowstone National Park has more than half of the world's geysers. Old Faithful has remained faithful for at least the past 135 years, showering appreciative tourists every 50 to 95 minutes (most recently an annual average of 91 minutes). To view Old Faithful in real-time, see the National Park Service Old Faithful Webcam.
Magnitude 4.1 occurred at 05:59 AM on March 25, 2008 (MDT) in Yellowstone National Park
March 25, 2008
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a light earthquake of magnitude 4.1 occurred at 05:59 AM on March 25, 2008 (MDT) in Yellowstone National Park. The epicenter of the shock was located 29.8 km (18.6 mi) NE of Fishing Bridge, WY. Two earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater have occurred within 25 km of the epicenter of this event since 1962. The largest of these events was a magnitude 3.5 on July 20, 1992, 6.4 km (4.0 mi) NE of Fishing Bridge, WY. No earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater have occurred within 50 km of the epicenter of this event since 1962. This event has been reported felt in Pahaska Tepee, outside the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park and in southwest Montana as well as in western Wyoming.
March 25, 2008
The University of Utah Seismograph Stations reports that a light earthquake of magnitude 4.1 occurred at 05:59 AM on March 25, 2008 (MDT) in Yellowstone National Park. The epicenter of the shock was located 29.8 km (18.6 mi) NE of Fishing Bridge, WY. Two earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater have occurred within 25 km of the epicenter of this event since 1962. The largest of these events was a magnitude 3.5 on July 20, 1992, 6.4 km (4.0 mi) NE of Fishing Bridge, WY. No earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater have occurred within 50 km of the epicenter of this event since 1962. This event has been reported felt in Pahaska Tepee, outside the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park and in southwest Montana as well as in western Wyoming.
New Articles on the Workings of Supervolcanoes
March 05, 2008
The February issue of Elements Magazine, features a number of articles on supervolcanoes, discussing their origins, growth and eruptions. YVO Scientist-in-Charge Jake Lowenstern and his USGS colleague Shaul Hurwitz have contributed an article entitled: "Monitoring a Supervolcano in Repose: Heat and Volatile Flux at the Yellowstone Caldera. The table of contents for the February issue of Elements can be downloaded here, though you or your library will need a subscription to download the other articles.
March 05, 2008
The February issue of Elements Magazine, features a number of articles on supervolcanoes, discussing their origins, growth and eruptions. YVO Scientist-in-Charge Jake Lowenstern and his USGS colleague Shaul Hurwitz have contributed an article entitled: "Monitoring a Supervolcano in Repose: Heat and Volatile Flux at the Yellowstone Caldera. The table of contents for the February issue of Elements can be downloaded here, though you or your library will need a subscription to download the other articles.
Video Documents Plugging of the Y8-Research Well During Blowout in 1992
February 08, 2008
In the 1960's, USGS researchers drilled research wells to learn about the Yellowstone geothermal system. One of those wells, the Y8 at Biscuit Basin, started leaking in 1992, and was immediately capped and plugged by the USGS, the National Park Service, and a local drilling company. Because of its historic and scientific interest, a video of the operation was recently reformatted and published as USGS Open-File Report 2008-1014, which can be downloaded in a variety of formats. The video can also be streamed to your computer without downloading. Enjoy!
February 08, 2008
In the 1960's, USGS researchers drilled research wells to learn about the Yellowstone geothermal system. One of those wells, the Y8 at Biscuit Basin, started leaking in 1992, and was immediately capped and plugged by the USGS, the National Park Service, and a local drilling company. Because of its historic and scientific interest, a video of the operation was recently reformatted and published as USGS Open-File Report 2008-1014, which can be downloaded in a variety of formats. The video can also be streamed to your computer without downloading. Enjoy!
Recent Ups and Downs of the Yellowstone Caldera
November 09, 2007
The November 9, 2007 issue of Science Magazine features an article, Accelerated uplift and magmatic intrusion of the Yellowstone Caldera, 2004 to 2006, by YVO scientists from the University of Utah and USGS. Using GPS and another satellite-based technique (InSAR), the authors find that parts of the Yellowstone Caldera rose as much as 7 cm (~3") per year from 2004 to 2006. The uplift is most noticeable at the White Lake GPS station, as has been discussed in our monthly YVO updates over the past year. Chang and his colleagues credit the relatively rapid uplift to magma entering the region beneath the Yellowstone Caldera. During this period of uplift, there have been relatively few earthquakes at Yellowstone. Heat and gas flow from the geysers and hot springs also remain unchanged. Calderas such as Yellowstone can display this sort of geologic behavior, even for centuries or millennia, without erupting. Read more about the uplift in our article Recent ups and downs of the Yellowstone Caldera. Also see the University of Utah press release.
November 09, 2007
The November 9, 2007 issue of Science Magazine features an article, Accelerated uplift and magmatic intrusion of the Yellowstone Caldera, 2004 to 2006, by YVO scientists from the University of Utah and USGS. Using GPS and another satellite-based technique (InSAR), the authors find that parts of the Yellowstone Caldera rose as much as 7 cm (~3") per year from 2004 to 2006. The uplift is most noticeable at the White Lake GPS station, as has been discussed in our monthly YVO updates over the past year. Chang and his colleagues credit the relatively rapid uplift to magma entering the region beneath the Yellowstone Caldera. During this period of uplift, there have been relatively few earthquakes at Yellowstone. Heat and gas flow from the geysers and hot springs also remain unchanged. Calderas such as Yellowstone can display this sort of geologic behavior, even for centuries or millennia, without erupting. Read more about the uplift in our article Recent ups and downs of the Yellowstone Caldera. Also see the University of Utah press release.
Compendium of Research Papers on Yellowstone
November 09, 2007
USGS scientists and their collaborators recently published a compendium of research papers about Yellowstone National Park. USGS Professional Paper 1717 is entitled: Integrated Geoscience Studies in the Greater Yellowstone Area - Volcanic, Tectonic, and Hydrothermal Processes in the Yellowstone Geoecosystem. The sixteen chapters include studies of geology, geochemistry and geophysics, including several with a focus on Yellowstone Lake. A separate map entitled: Bathymetry and Geology of the Floor of Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, was also recently published.
November 09, 2007
USGS scientists and their collaborators recently published a compendium of research papers about Yellowstone National Park. USGS Professional Paper 1717 is entitled: Integrated Geoscience Studies in the Greater Yellowstone Area - Volcanic, Tectonic, and Hydrothermal Processes in the Yellowstone Geoecosystem. The sixteen chapters include studies of geology, geochemistry and geophysics, including several with a focus on Yellowstone Lake. A separate map entitled: Bathymetry and Geology of the Floor of Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, was also recently published.
YVO Releases a Preliminary Hazards Assessment of Yellowstone National Park and Vicinity
March 30, 2007
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) released a Preliminary Assessment of Volcanic and Hydrothermal Hazards in Yellowstone National Park and Vicinity. The assessment, four years in the making, is authored by Robert Christiansen, a leading expert on the Yellowstone volcanic system, along with eight colleagues. The preliminary assessment has been published as an Open-File Report. Over the next 2 years, the assessment will be enlarged to include a seismic hazards analysis and other additional enhancements. At that point, the hazards assessment will be released as a more formal USGS Scientific Investigations Report that will replace this preliminary report.
March 30, 2007
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) released a Preliminary Assessment of Volcanic and Hydrothermal Hazards in Yellowstone National Park and Vicinity. The assessment, four years in the making, is authored by Robert Christiansen, a leading expert on the Yellowstone volcanic system, along with eight colleagues. The preliminary assessment has been published as an Open-File Report. Over the next 2 years, the assessment will be enlarged to include a seismic hazards analysis and other additional enhancements. At that point, the hazards assessment will be released as a more formal USGS Scientific Investigations Report that will replace this preliminary report.
University of Utah Scientists Publish Long-Term Study of Crustal Motions of the Yellowstone Hotspot
March 08, 2007
University of Utah graduate student Christine Puskas, along with YVO coordinating scientist Bob Smith and others, recently published a long-term study of crustal movements associated with the Yellowstone hotspot. This technical article summarizes 17 years of Global Positioning System (GPS) data acquired to understand how the Yellowstone volcano and the Snake River Plain volcanic field interacts with the nearby Teton and Hebgen Lake faults and the tectonic system of the Western U.S. The original paper, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, can be downloaded here. The research is described for a general audience in a press release by the University of Utah.
March 08, 2007
University of Utah graduate student Christine Puskas, along with YVO coordinating scientist Bob Smith and others, recently published a long-term study of crustal movements associated with the Yellowstone hotspot. This technical article summarizes 17 years of Global Positioning System (GPS) data acquired to understand how the Yellowstone volcano and the Snake River Plain volcanic field interacts with the nearby Teton and Hebgen Lake faults and the tectonic system of the Western U.S. The original paper, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, can be downloaded here. The research is described for a general audience in a press release by the University of Utah.
Articles Focus on the Geology and Thermal Activity of the Norris Geyser Basin
March 08, 2007
The Fall 2006 issue of Yellowstone Science includes two articles on the Norris Geyser Basin. The first article, by Yellowstone National Park geologist Cheryl Jaworowski and co-authors, relates how natural fractures are a crucial control on the distribution and behavior of thermal features at Norris. The second article, by Geological Society of America intern David Shean, uses historical aerial photographs as a tool to detect changes in thermal activity at Norris. Both articles can be downloaded off the Yellowstone Science website.
March 08, 2007
The Fall 2006 issue of Yellowstone Science includes two articles on the Norris Geyser Basin. The first article, by Yellowstone National Park geologist Cheryl Jaworowski and co-authors, relates how natural fractures are a crucial control on the distribution and behavior of thermal features at Norris. The second article, by Geological Society of America intern David Shean, uses historical aerial photographs as a tool to detect changes in thermal activity at Norris. Both articles can be downloaded off the Yellowstone Science website.
Aerial Photography of Norris Geyser Basin
February 05, 2007
In September 2005, USGS/YVO Postdoctoral Fellow Brita Graham Wall used a radio-controlled camera, attached to a helium-filled balloon to take photos from the sky above the Norris Geyser Basin. Some of the photos are truly spectacular, and we hope you enjoy them. Please see the images in the article Way Above Norris.
February 05, 2007
In September 2005, USGS/YVO Postdoctoral Fellow Brita Graham Wall used a radio-controlled camera, attached to a helium-filled balloon to take photos from the sky above the Norris Geyser Basin. Some of the photos are truly spectacular, and we hope you enjoy them. Please see the images in the article Way Above Norris.
Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, 2006-2015
November 06, 2006
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) has developed a monitoring plan for the period 2006-2015 to increase our ability to provide timely information during seismic, volcanic, and hydrothermal crises and to anticipate hazardous events before they occur. Upgrades to the monitoring network will provide high-quality data for scientific study and interpretation of one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world. Equipment additions and upgrades will bring the seismic network up to modern standards and add stations in areas that lack adequate station coverage. Borehole strainmeters and tiltmeters will be added to measure crustal movements and stream gages and gas-measuring instruments will allow YVO to compare geophysical phenomena, such as earthquakes and ground motions, to hydrothermal events, such as anomalous water and gas discharge. Please see the Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, 2006-2015 for more information.
November 06, 2006
Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) has developed a monitoring plan for the period 2006-2015 to increase our ability to provide timely information during seismic, volcanic, and hydrothermal crises and to anticipate hazardous events before they occur. Upgrades to the monitoring network will provide high-quality data for scientific study and interpretation of one of the largest active volcanic systems in the world. Equipment additions and upgrades will bring the seismic network up to modern standards and add stations in areas that lack adequate station coverage. Borehole strainmeters and tiltmeters will be added to measure crustal movements and stream gages and gas-measuring instruments will allow YVO to compare geophysical phenomena, such as earthquakes and ground motions, to hydrothermal events, such as anomalous water and gas discharge. Please see the Volcano and Earthquake Monitoring Plan for the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, 2006-2015 for more information.
Yellowstone Photogallery Images Available as a kml file for Google Earth
October 03, 2006
Images from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory photogallery are now available as a kml file! To check out the images in their geographic locations, download the kml file and click on it to open it in Google Earth. If you do not already have a copy of Google Earth, visit http://earth.google.com/ to download a copy. Thanks to John Bailey of the Alaska Volcano Observatory Arctic Region Supercomputing Center for creating the file.
October 03, 2006
Images from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory photogallery are now available as a kml file! To check out the images in their geographic locations, download the kml file and click on it to open it in Google Earth. If you do not already have a copy of Google Earth, visit http://earth.google.com/ to download a copy. Thanks to John Bailey of the Alaska Volcano Observatory Arctic Region Supercomputing Center for creating the file.
Article on Monitoring Supervolcanoes Published
July 24, 2006
YVO coordinating scientists Jacob Lowenstern and Robert Smith together with Long Valley Scientist-in-Charge David Hill recently published an article, Monitoring super-volcanoes: geophysical and geochemical signals at Yellowstone and other large caldera systems", that summarizes current knowledge about monitoring geological unrest at large calderas such as Yellowstone. The article is part of a group of papers that formed a Discussion Meeting on Extreme Natural Hazards organized through the Royal Society in October 2005. For more information about other papers from the meeting, please see the Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A Web site.
July 24, 2006
YVO coordinating scientists Jacob Lowenstern and Robert Smith together with Long Valley Scientist-in-Charge David Hill recently published an article, Monitoring super-volcanoes: geophysical and geochemical signals at Yellowstone and other large caldera systems", that summarizes current knowledge about monitoring geological unrest at large calderas such as Yellowstone. The article is part of a group of papers that formed a Discussion Meeting on Extreme Natural Hazards organized through the Royal Society in October 2005. For more information about other papers from the meeting, please see the Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A Web site.
American Museum of Natural History's Yellowstone Webpage Featuring Interviews and Articles with YVO
July 03, 2006
The American Museum of Natural History joined Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientists in the field in September 2005 and have posted a video, articles, and two interactive slide shows about the geology of the area. The video, Yellowstone: Monitoring the Fire Below includes interviews with Jake Lowenstern, YVO's Scientist-in-Charge, Hank Heasler, YVO Coordinating Scientist and Yellowstone Park Geologist, and USGS geologist Lisa Morgan. The articles, Yellowstone National Park is a Volcano and Signs of Restlessness expand on the information in the video whereas the article, Volcanic Witness: An Interview with Bob Smith provides information from Bob Smith's, YVO's Coordinating Scientist from the University of Utah, four decades of work on Yellowstone. For more information and to view the video, please see American Museum of Natural History Science Bulletins, Yellowstone: Monitoring the Fire Below.
July 03, 2006
The American Museum of Natural History joined Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientists in the field in September 2005 and have posted a video, articles, and two interactive slide shows about the geology of the area. The video, Yellowstone: Monitoring the Fire Below includes interviews with Jake Lowenstern, YVO's Scientist-in-Charge, Hank Heasler, YVO Coordinating Scientist and Yellowstone Park Geologist, and USGS geologist Lisa Morgan. The articles, Yellowstone National Park is a Volcano and Signs of Restlessness expand on the information in the video whereas the article, Volcanic Witness: An Interview with Bob Smith provides information from Bob Smith's, YVO's Coordinating Scientist from the University of Utah, four decades of work on Yellowstone. For more information and to view the video, please see American Museum of Natural History Science Bulletins, Yellowstone: Monitoring the Fire Below.
YVO Adopts new Common Alert-Level System for Yellowstone Volcano Information Releases
April 06, 2006
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is adopting a common system nationwide for characterizing the level of unrest and eruptive activity at volcanoes. YVO is the first volcano observatory to implement the new standard alert-level system. Our Monthly Updates, Status Reports, and Information Releases will now include both an alert level and an aviation color code. Yellowstone is currently at the alert level, NORMAL (Typical background activity of a volcano in a non-eruptive state), and Aviation Color Code GREEN (Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state.). For more information, please see the article on the Volcano Hazards Website "USGS to Adopt a Common Alert-Level System to Inform Public of Volcanic Activity at U.S. Volcanoes".
April 06, 2006
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is adopting a common system nationwide for characterizing the level of unrest and eruptive activity at volcanoes. YVO is the first volcano observatory to implement the new standard alert-level system. Our Monthly Updates, Status Reports, and Information Releases will now include both an alert level and an aviation color code. Yellowstone is currently at the alert level, NORMAL (Typical background activity of a volcano in a non-eruptive state), and Aviation Color Code GREEN (Volcano is in normal, non-eruptive state.). For more information, please see the article on the Volcano Hazards Website "USGS to Adopt a Common Alert-Level System to Inform Public of Volcanic Activity at U.S. Volcanoes".
Satellite Technologies Detect Uplift in the Yellowstone Caldera
February 28, 2006
In March 2006, the journal Nature published a paper by YVO scientist Charles Wicks and colleagues about a period of uplift in the northern part of the Yellowstone caldera. For more information about the recent findings, please see Satellite Technologies Detect Uplift in the Yellowstone Caldera.
February 28, 2006
In March 2006, the journal Nature published a paper by YVO scientist Charles Wicks and colleagues about a period of uplift in the northern part of the Yellowstone caldera. For more information about the recent findings, please see Satellite Technologies Detect Uplift in the Yellowstone Caldera.
The Yellowstone-Teton Epicenter: A new portal to Yellowstone and Teton geologic and geophysical info
January 05, 2006
A website devoted to Yellowstone geologic data was launched by YVO coordinating scientist Bob Smith and University of Utah graduate student Jamie Farrell, with support from the National Science Foundation's GEON program. The site provides a variety of maps, figures and GIS (geographic information system) datasets of interest to both scientists and the general public.
January 05, 2006
A website devoted to Yellowstone geologic data was launched by YVO coordinating scientist Bob Smith and University of Utah graduate student Jamie Farrell, with support from the National Science Foundation's GEON program. The site provides a variety of maps, figures and GIS (geographic information system) datasets of interest to both scientists and the general public.
Truth, fiction and everything in between at Yellowstone
June 13, 2005
The June 2005 issue of Geotimes magazine includes an article by YVO Scientist-in-Charge Jake Lowenstern. The article, Truth, fiction and everything in between at Yellowstone, presents Lowenstern's views on public and media interest in Yellowstone and its volcanic potential.
June 13, 2005
The June 2005 issue of Geotimes magazine includes an article by YVO Scientist-in-Charge Jake Lowenstern. The article, Truth, fiction and everything in between at Yellowstone, presents Lowenstern's views on public and media interest in Yellowstone and its volcanic potential.
An Assessment of Volcanic Threat and Monitoring Capabilities in the United States
May 09, 2005
On April 29, 2005, The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released the first ever comprehensive and systematic review of all 169 volcanoes in the United States. The report, An Assessment of Volcanic Threat and Monitoring Capabilities in the United States: Framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System, establishes a framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System (NVEWS), "which calls for a 24-hour seven-day-a-week Volcano Watch Office and enhanced instrumentation and monitoring at targeted volcanoes". Each of the 169 volcanoes were divided into five threat groups: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, and Very Low. The USGS press release on NVEWS summarizes the 37 volcanoes in the Very High threat group and mentions an additional 21 under-monitored volcanoes. Yellowstone is one of the 21 under-monitored volcanoes in the High threat group. This does not mean that the geologic conditions at Yellowstone have changed. The activity at Yellowstone remains consistent with historical levels.
May 09, 2005
On April 29, 2005, The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released the first ever comprehensive and systematic review of all 169 volcanoes in the United States. The report, An Assessment of Volcanic Threat and Monitoring Capabilities in the United States: Framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System, establishes a framework for a National Volcano Early Warning System (NVEWS), "which calls for a 24-hour seven-day-a-week Volcano Watch Office and enhanced instrumentation and monitoring at targeted volcanoes". Each of the 169 volcanoes were divided into five threat groups: Very High, High, Moderate, Low, and Very Low. The USGS press release on NVEWS summarizes the 37 volcanoes in the Very High threat group and mentions an additional 21 under-monitored volcanoes. Yellowstone is one of the 21 under-monitored volcanoes in the High threat group. This does not mean that the geologic conditions at Yellowstone have changed. The activity at Yellowstone remains consistent with historical levels.
Steam Explosions, Earthquakes, and Volcanic Eruptions — What's in Yellowstone's Future?
March 11, 2005
Yellowstone has experienced several giant volcanic eruptions in the past few million years, as well as many smaller eruptions and steam explosions. To improve our understanding of the volcanic, seismic, and hydrothermal hazards, scientists study and monitor activity at Yellowstone. Check out our new fact sheet that describes Yellowstone's past and potential future activity.
March 11, 2005
Yellowstone has experienced several giant volcanic eruptions in the past few million years, as well as many smaller eruptions and steam explosions. To improve our understanding of the volcanic, seismic, and hydrothermal hazards, scientists study and monitor activity at Yellowstone. Check out our new fact sheet that describes Yellowstone's past and potential future activity.
Earthquake Swarms at Yellowstone
October 15, 2004
In April 2004 there was an increase in earthquake activity, called a swarm, at Yellowstone National Park that drew interest from scientists and the public. Swarms can occur on volcanoes or in tectonically active areas. There have been many swarms recorded over the past 40 years at Yellowstone. For more information see the Earthquake Swarms at Yellowstone article.
October 15, 2004
In April 2004 there was an increase in earthquake activity, called a swarm, at Yellowstone National Park that drew interest from scientists and the public. Swarms can occur on volcanoes or in tectonically active areas. There have been many swarms recorded over the past 40 years at Yellowstone. For more information see the Earthquake Swarms at Yellowstone article.
Tracking Changes in Yellowstone's Restless Volcanic System
June 28, 2004
Over the past ten years scientists have been applying new satellite-based surveying techniques to monitor changes in the land surface elevation within Yellowstone Caldera. These new measurements add to monitoring data collected over the past 25 years and help increase our understanding of the slow up and down ground movements of the Yellowstone caldera above the subterranean magma and hydrothermal systems. For more information see the Tracking Changes in Yellowstone's Restless Volcanic System fact sheet.
June 28, 2004
Over the past ten years scientists have been applying new satellite-based surveying techniques to monitor changes in the land surface elevation within Yellowstone Caldera. These new measurements add to monitoring data collected over the past 25 years and help increase our understanding of the slow up and down ground movements of the Yellowstone caldera above the subterranean magma and hydrothermal systems. For more information see the Tracking Changes in Yellowstone's Restless Volcanic System fact sheet.
Notable Changes in Thermal Activity at Norris Geyser Basin
November 01, 2003
November 01, 2003
There were were notable changes in thermal activity at Norris Geyser Basin in 2003. These changes resulted in the closure of the Back Basin Trail and temporarydeployment of a monitoring network by YVO. Learn more.
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Page modified: 2012-12-11 16:18:21
Page modified: 2012-12-11 16:18:21