Steamboat Geyser

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Image:Steamboat Geyser at Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone-750px.JPG Steamboat Geyser, in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin, is the world's tallest currently-active geyser. During major eruptions, water may be thrown more than 300 feet (90 m) into the air (Bryan, T.S. 2001, National Park Service 2004).

Steamboat's major eruptions last from 3 to 40 minutes in length, and are followed by powerful jets of steam (National Park Service 2004). Steamboat does not erupt on a predictable schedule with recorded intervals between major eruptions ranging from four days to fifty years. The geyser was dormant from 1911 to 1961. Minor eruptions of 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m) are much more frequent. After an eruption the geyser oftentimes vents large amounts of steam for up to 48 hours. Cistern spring, located nearby, will drain completely during a major eruption of the geyser and the spring refills within a few days.

Waimangu Geyser in New Zealand was taller--exceptional eruptions were capable of reaching 1600 feet (500 m) but a landslide changed the local water table (Glennon, J.A. 2005) and Waimangu has not erupted since 1914.

As of 23 May 2005, the last eight eruptions of Steamboat Geyser occurred on:

12 October 1991
2 May 2000
13 September 2002
26 April 2002
26 March 2003
27 April 2003
22 October 2003
23 May 2005

Steamboat Geyser possesses two vents approximately five meters apart: a northern and southern. The geyser is located at 7,555 feet (2303 m) above sea level.

Image:Steamboat Geyser.jpg



References