In The Act

EXPLOSION IMAGE

.. Wade Johnson, on a geology field trip led by Bob Smith of the University of Utah, captured an image of a rare event.
.. The May 17, 2009 hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin was surprising but not dangerous - rare as it is. You can read all about it in yesterday's Jackson Hole Daily.

Foul Geysers

YELLOWSTONE SCIENCE
SEES IT - SHOWS IT

A World Perspective

.. Vol. 17, #1 of Yellowstone Science has been published to the web. It's lead article is about the geysers of Yellowstone in a global perspective. The title is "HUMAN IMPACTS ON GEYSER BASINS."
.. The history of impacts and degradation to the geysers and thermal features in Yellowstone is documented.
.. The most significant cause of destruction and degradation can be laid, (directly or indirectly,) at the feet of "TOURISM."
.. And, it continues today with roads, trails, boardwalks, and other elements of the built environment encroaching on thermal basins in the name of access.
.. From the earliest days to the present the perception has been that appreciation of the features is best done "up close and personal."
.. This attitude demands destruction and degradation for the perceived need for appreciation.
.. Geothermal exploitation is also considered as a threat to the thermal features of Yellowstone. Two areas adjacent to Yellowstone National Park are mentioned, as is the monitoring of resources in the park.
.. Any persons with more than a passing interest in the history of thermal feature degradation in Yellowstone National Park should read this article.
--> PART ONE (PDF) [pages 1 - 18, includes geyser article]
--> PART TWO (PDF) [pages 19 - 37, includes other articles]

[sic]
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[CORRECT]

Panoramic Grand Prismatic

via tip: Horse's Mouth
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.. Just click on the image and go! Use controls if you like. Zippy stuff!

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Grand prismatic pool in USA.
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Bryce Canyon, Utah in USA.

.. Check out the "Arches" just follow the arrow. If you have a good graphics card you can try this on your 26" monitor - WOW!

HOTSPOTS

ARTIST PAINTPOTS CLOSED TEMPORARILY

..The Artists Paintpots area in Yellowstone National Park has been temporarily closed due to visitor safety concerns. The area is located along a one mile loop trail east of the Grand Loop road, about two and a half miles south of Norris Junction.
.. A visitor was injured yesterday afternoon when she was hiking on the established dirt trail with family members. Utah resident Jeanette Hogan says she stepped in a surface puddle of rainwater along the edge of the trail when the crust beneath gave way. She broke through to a previously undiscovered pool of hot water, and received burns to her ankle and lower
leg.
.. Members of a park s trail crew were working on another section of the Artists Paintpots trail at the time of the accident. Crew members were able to provide immediate first aid and summon park emergency personnel, who took the patient by ambulance to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. The extent of Hogan s injuries and current condition are
unavailable.
.. Park geologists are currently evaluating the area. The water in the pool is 171 degrees Fahrenheit. Water boils at about 197 degrees Fahrenheit at that altitude. The water at the surface of the hot pool was found to be slightly acidic, with a pH similar to vinegar.
.. The parking lot and trail will remain temporarily closed until the area can be safely reopened to visitors.