There is a new hydrothermal feature at Yellowstone National Park that has caught the attention of geologists and visitors alike. Discovered in April at Norris Geyser Basin, the park’s oldest geothermal area, this milky blue pool is unlike anything seen before.
The feature was first noticed during routine work, with high-resolution satellite imagery confirming that it appeared suddenly in December 2024. By January 6, a depression had formed in the ground, which eventually filled with water by February 13. Now measuring about 13 feet across and filled with 109-degree-Fahrenheit water, this pool is located west of Tree Island in the basin.
What sets this new hydrothermal feature apart is its otherworldly milky texture, caused by dissolved silica in the water. Silica, a mineral known for its presence in glass, is abundant in the water at Norris Geyser Basin, making it unique compared to other areas in the park.
Despite its sudden appearance, seismic monitoring data did not show any evidence of an eruption between December 2024 and February 2025. However, acoustic data revealed subtle noises on December 25, 2024, and January 15 and February 11, 2025, suggesting that the pool was formed through a series of mild hydrothermal explosions.
Norris Geyser Basin is known for its dynamic nature, with attractions like Steamboat Geyser, which can shoot water up to 330 feet in the air unpredictably. The basin is famous for its ever-changing landscape, making it a must-see destination for visitors to Yellowstone National Park.
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