Episode 30 | Hydrothermal Explosions: When Yellowstone Goes Boom!
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Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Dr. Mike Poland in the field. (Photo USGS/Mike Poland).
What happens beneath Yellowstone is vast and varied. One of the most interesting geological phenomena found here is hydrothermal explosions. While they may not have a timetable like some of the iconic geysers, or the breathtaking colors of some pools, 2024’s sky-high event at Biscuit Basin put hydrothermal explosions on the map.
Reading about this unpredictable encounter got me thinking: what are the underlying forces behind hydrothermal explosions? Is the caldera waking up? How are they studied? Luckily, our guest will explain all that and more!
Joining us is Dr. Mike Poland, a research geophysicist and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory with the United States Geological Survey. His area of expertise is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity, but he also knows a heck of a lot about hydrothermal explosions and other exciting geological activities in Yellowstone.
He’ll also share a few of his favorite spots in the park to check out rock formations, thermal features, and beyond.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.
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