Anatomy of a Cone Geyser

A Cone Geyser

Geysers are hot springs that erupt periodically. In Yellowstone National Park, all of the ingredients needed for geyser activity are present: heat, water, and underground rock hard enough to withstand intense pressures. Beehive is an example of a cone geyser. It was so named because its four-foot high cone resembles an old fashioned beehive. Though its cone is modest compared to others in the Upper Geyser Basin, Beehive is one of the most powerful and impressive geysers in the park. Typically, Beehive's activity is not predictable, but when eruption cycles start, intervals between eruptions can range from 10 hours to five days. An average eruption lasts about five minutes.

Select Anatomy of a Hot Spring to learn more.