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HYDROTHERMAL EXPLOSIONS

Geologists describe hydrothermal explosions as eruptions of such force that boiling water, mud, and surrounding rocks are broken and flung through the air. After such an explosion, the character of the geyser is often changed forever. Norris Geyser Basin has a history of such explosions. In 1962, staff at the Norris Museum witnessed "house-sized" chunks of mud being tossed above tree tops more than 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away.

Porkchop Geyser was once a hot spring that erupted occasionally. Its eruptions became longer and stronger until it became a perpetual spouter—a feature that constantly erupts. In 1989, an internal hydrothermal explosion blew apart Porkchop's vent. Rocks were thrown as much as 216 feet (66 m). A 15 foot (5 m) diameter wall of rock debris from this violent explosion now surrounds a gently boiling hot spring. Research indicates this may be a reoccurring pattern at Porkchop.

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