Yellowstone Park Announces New Thermal Discovery

Published: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 4:49 pm

Yellowstone Park Unveils New Thermal Feature, Highlighting Dynamic Nature

Yellowstone National Park's Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO) has announced the discovery of a new thermal feature in the Norris Geyser Basin. The pool, found during routine maintenance of temperature logging equipment on April 10, measures approximately 4 meters across and contains light blue water at around 109 degrees Fahrenheit.

The formation of the pool is estimated to have occurred between late December 2024 and early February 2025. High-resolution satellite imagery played a key role in determining the timeframe, with images showing no trace of the feature on December 19, 2024, but revealing a depression by January 6, 2025, and a fully developed pool by February 13, 2025.

Field geologists observed scattered rocks around the site, coated with a light-gray, fine-grained, sandy mud. This, along with the structure of the pit, led scientists to believe the feature resulted from minor hydrothermal explosions. Infrasound data collected from a monitoring station detected low-level acoustic signals originating from the direction of the new feature, with the most prominent recorded on December 25, 2024.

Mike Poland, scientist-in-charge at YVO, emphasized the dynamic nature of Yellowstone's thermal activity, stating that such changes are common. He noted that advances in monitoring capabilities allow for the detection of these changes in ways previously impossible. The new feature is located sufficiently far from trails and boardwalks to pose no immediate threat to visitors. However, officials are using the discovery to remind visitors of the importance of staying on marked trails and boardwalks due to the unstable ground and presence of hot water and steam just below the surface.

BNN's Perspective: The discovery of this new thermal feature underscores the ever-changing landscape of Yellowstone National Park. While the feature itself poses no immediate danger, it serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of respecting the park's natural environment and adhering to safety guidelines. This event highlights the need for continued scientific monitoring and responsible tourism practices to ensure the preservation of this unique and dynamic ecosystem.

Keywords: Yellowstone, thermal feature, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, YVO, hydrothermal, geyser, park, discovery, geology, satellite imagery, infrasound, monitoring, safety, tourism, environment, dynamic, new feature, hot springs, geysers, national park

Full Story