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A hydrothermal explosion inside Yellowstone National Park sent rocks and debris flying Tuesday morning, damaging a pedestrian boardwalk and forcing the closure of the area, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) officials said Tuesday.
After the explosion at Yellowstone National Park.
(NPS / FOX Weather)
The eruption occurred at around 10 a.m. local time at the park’s Biscuit Basin, according to the National Park Service. Various videos on social media show people were nearby when the explosion occurred, but there are no reports of any injuries.
According to the USGS, the Biscuit Basin parking lot and boardwalks are now temporarily closed for visitor safety. They noted that geologists are investigating the event.
Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone, USGS officials said.
“Today’s explosion does not reflect activity within volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity,” the USGS said. “Hydrothermal explosions like that of today are not a sign of impending volcanic eruptions, and they are not caused by magma rising towards the surface.”
After the explosion at Yellowstone National Park.
(NPS / FOX Weather)
Park and USGS staff will monitor conditions and announce when the area is safe for visitors.
Located about two miles northwest of Old Faithful, Biscuit Basin is named after what were biscuit-like features surrounding Sapphire Pool, according to the NPS. They noted that the pool had not had an eruption since 1991.