Visitors run from famous park as rocks and water explode.

Officials at Yellowstone National Park in the western United States have announced the temporary closure of the Biscuit Basin area following a hydrothermal explosion. The popular tourist spot, which includes a parking lot and walkway, is located about 4km northwest of the famous Old Faithful geyser. The decision to close the area was made for the safety of visitors, according to a post on the park's official website.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported after the incident, which took place near the Sapphire Pool on Tuesday. However, the extent of the damage is still being assessed by investigators. In light of the recent event, many may be wondering what exactly a hydrothermal explosion is.

According to the US Geological Survey, these explosions are caused by the rapid ejection of boiling water, steam, and debris from shallow reservoirs of fluids beneath the surface. This can occur when the pressure suddenly drops, causing the fluids to rapidly transition into steam and expand, resulting in the explosion. The agency emphasizes that these events are not uncommon in thermal fields, and Yellowstone National Park has experienced similar explosions in the past.

In fact, a joint media release from the park and the USGS mentions two previous incidents – one in 1989 and another in 2009 – in which hydrothermal explosions occurred in the Porkchop and Biscuit Basin areas, respectively. However, officials want to assure the public that this does not mean a volcanic eruption is imminent. The monitoring data for the park shows no changes and the volcanic system is currently at normal levels of activity.

While these types of explosions may seem alarming, they are not a sign of an impending volcanic eruption. In fact, the USGS states that large hydrothermal explosions only occur about every 700 years on average. However, they acknowledge that the possibility of future events cannot be ruled out completely. Based on past occurrences, it is estimated that a large explosion capable of creating a 100-metre wide crater could happen every few hundred years.

In the meantime, visitors to Yellowstone National Park are advised to follow any safety measures put in place by park officials. As always, stay tuned for any updates and enjoy all the beauty and wonder that this iconic national park has to offer. And for those interested in the upcoming Olympic Games, remember to tune in to Channel 9 and 9Now for live and free coverage, with the option to watch ad-free and in 4K on Stan Sport.

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