Yellowstone geyser explosion forces evacuation, park temporarily shut

Tourists visiting Yellowstone were forced to retreat immediately after an unexpected hydrothermal explosion of a geyser. The park is temporarily closed as the damage is being assessed. An extraordinary recording showing the moment of the eruption is circulating online.

As reported by American media, the incident occurred on Tuesday around the Biscuit Basin thermal area. The explosion damaged the scenic boardwalk. Fortunately, there are no reports of people being injured. Interestingly, this location is about 2 miles (~3 km) from Old Faithful, the geyser that has erupted every 44 minutes to two hours for over 20 years.

According to USA Today, Biscuit Basin, along with its boardwalks and parking lots, is closed for visitors' safety. Geologists are currently conducting studies at the explosion site to determine what exactly happened. However, the explosion was not a sign of an impending volcanic eruption. Damage assessment is ongoing.

The video shared on social media shows the explosion that forced people to flee as thick smoke rose as a result.

According to experts, hydrothermal explosions occur when hot water in the volcanic system turns into steam in a confined area. Michael Poland, overseeing Yellowstone, stated in an interview with "USA Today" that the national park is a global center for geological hazards, and explosions occur there several times a year.

Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is the oldest national park in the world and is famous for its geysers, hot springs, mud volcanoes, fumaroles, and waterfalls.

In 1978, Yellowstone Park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A biosphere reserve was established within it. It is situated on a vast volcanic plateau. Wolves, Canadian lynxes, grizzly bears, American bison, coyotes, wapiti, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and black bears live there.