Although the large volcano exhibits no signs of an eruption, magma is brewing under the surface to drive hundreds of geysers and other hot events.
The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory notes a new steaming feature in the national park on a new blog on its website, which reflects the dynamic, ever changing environment of this planet and exciting, landscape.
"While driving south from Mammoth Hot Springs toward Norris Geyser Basin early on Aug. 5 last summer, a park scientist noticed a billowing steam column through the trees and across a marshy expanse," reported Yellowstone National Park geologists Jefferson Hungerford and Kiernan Folz-Donahue.
Geologists recorded the steamy hydrothermal vent's temperatures at 171 degrees Fahrenheit from its base on an old lava flow. It might be newly developed activity from a steaming feature once discovered close by in 2003.
The scientists posted online a recent perspective of Yellowstone's latest hole, blasting steam skyward:
This winter the vent stays active but subdued since water has leaked into the hole. Come spring, though, it might brilliantly light up once more.
The last volcanic eruption of Yellowstone occurred approximately 70,000 years ago; the occurrences were not massive eruptions on the magnitude that would cover a vast section of the United States with ash.
"Of the past 50 or so eruptions, almost all were simple lava flows," the USGS stated. "They would have negligible direct impact outside Yellowstone National Park if they happened tomorrow or next year."
EAST WEST HUNT