Massive hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday.

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There was a hydrothermal explosion at Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday, July 23rd. They say this has nothing to do with seismic activity. They are investigating the cause.

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NBC Montana 7/23/24: Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park has been closed following a massive hydrothermal explosion Tuesday morning, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

The explosion, reported at 10 a.m. MDT, scattered debris and sent plumes into the air at Biscuit Basin. The NPS said numerous visitors caught video of the explosion, which quickly started being shared on social media.

The NPS said no injuries have been reported but the boardwalk received extensive damage.

The Biscuit Basin thermal area is about 2.1 miles northwest of the popular geyser, Old Faithful. The explosion appears to have originated near Black Diamond Pool, according to the NPS.

"No other monitoring data show changes in the Yellowstone region. Today’s explosion does not reflect a change in the volcanic system, which remains at normal background levels of activity," according to Yellowstone National Park.

Biscuit Basin, including the parking lot and boardwalks, are temporarily closed for visitor safety. The Grand Loop remains open. Yellowstone National Park geologists are investigating the event, the NPS said.

The NPS added, "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." The NPS explained in a statement how these hydrothermal explosions can occur, saying in part:

Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and they are relatively common in Yellowstone. For example, Porkchop Geyser, in Norris Geyser Basin, experienced an explosion in 1989, and a small event in Norris Geyser Basin was recorded by monitoring equipment on April 15, 2024. An explosion similar to that of today also occurred in Biscuit Basin on May 17, 2009.

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