Steamboat Activity Increases
Written by Andrew-Rossi on May 7, 2018
Steamboat erupted for the fourth time this spring in Yellowstone.
The world’s largest geyser went off on Friday at about 11:50 p.m. The signal was recorded by a seismic station in the Norris Museum, and was also verified by increased water discharge at Tantalus Creek.
This is the 4th eruption in the past 7 weeks. Officials say that like the other eruptions this year, it was relatively small, discharging about 250-300 cubic meters of water.
Seismologists speculate that Steamboat is entering a period of more frequent eruptions, as was the case in 1982-1984 when it erupted dozens of times. However, US Geological Survey experts say that this is not an indication of increased volcanic activity – they say all other indications of activity in Yellowstone, like earthquakes and deformation, are at normal levels.
Experts also clarify that the seismic activity in Yellowstone is in no way connected to the volcano eruptions in Hawaii.
This evening there will be an information session in Gardiner, Montana for anyone interested in the Yellowstone Volcano. The meeting this evening will be at the Gardiner Community Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Topics will likely include earthquake activity, ground deformation, and the recent Steamboat Geyser activity.
