A new volcanic vent has burst open in Yellowstone National Park, revealing a scorching hot steam column. The USGS announced the discovery on August 5, 2024, in the Roadside Springs thermal area of the park’s northwestern region. A scientist spotted a column of steam billowing up from the trees and notified park geologists, who conducted an assessment.
The vent had a temperature of 171 degrees Fahrenheit, surrounded by gray silicious clay, indicating it is a relatively new feature. The USGS notes that the vent may be connected to a similar one discovered over 20 years ago in the same area. The discovery comes weeks after another geyser explosion in Biscuit Basin destroyed a boardwalk.
Yellowstone sits atop a massive magma reservoir, driving hydrothermal features such as geysers and vents throughout the park. While the new vent’s steam plume disappeared with winter, its status for this summer remains uncertain.
Source: https://www.foxweather.com/earth-space/new-hydrothermal-vent-yellowstone-springs-life