 Major eruption, Steamboat Geyser, circa 1960s |
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| Location | Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
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| Coordinates | 44°43′28″N 110°42′05″W / 44.72444°N 110.70139°WCoordinates: 44°43′28″N 110°42′05″W / 44.72444°N 110.70139°W[1] |
| Elevation | 7,598 feet (2,316 m) |
| Type | Geyser |
| Eruption Height | 10 feet (3.0 m) to 300 feet (91 m) |
| Eruption Frequency | Irregular, unpredictable |
| Eruption Duration | 3-40 minutes |
| Temperature | 71.3 °C (160.3 °F)[1] |
| Commons | * Media related to Steamboat Geyser at Wikimedia Commons |
 Norris Geyser Basin |
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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.[2]
Steamboat's major eruptions last from 3 to 40 minutes in length, and are followed by powerful jets of steam. 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 often vents large amounts of steam for up to 48 hours.[3] Cistern Spring, located nearby, will drain completely during a major eruption of the geyser; 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 and Waimangu has not erupted since 1904.[4] Excelsior Geyser of Yellowstone's Midway Geyser Basin likewise was taller, with eruptions reaching 300 feet. However, Excelsior has ceased erupting, and is now classified as a hot spring.
As of 23 May 2005, the last eight eruptions of Steamboat Geyser occurred on:
- 12 October 1991
- 2 May 2000
- 26 April 2002
- 13 September 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 7,598 feet (2303 m) above sea level.
| Images of Steamboat Geyser | |||||||||
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References
- ^ a b "Steamboat Geyser". Yellowstone Geothermal Features Database. Montana State University. http://www.rcn.montana.edu/resources/features/feature.aspx?nav=11&id=6268.
- ^ Bryan, T. Scott (May 1995). Geysers of Yellowstone, The (3rd Edition ed.). University Press of Colorado. ISBN 0-87081-365-X.
- ^ "Steamboat Geyser". Norris Geyser Basin Tour. National Park Service. 25 May 2005. http://www.nps.gov/yell/tours/norris/steambt.htm. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
- ^ Jones, Gregory L. (March 12, 2006). "Tall Geysers". WyoJones' GEYSER SITE. http://www.wyojones.com/tall.htm. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
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