Artemisia Geyser

NPS / Jim Peaco

Quick Facts

Location:

Old Faithful

Named for the color of the geyserite deposits around the feature that are a similar grey-green to sage bush, Artemisia Geyser is one of the largest pools in the park. The geyserite deposits form areas of almost terraced pools around the main pool. Eruptions of the large blue pool are less of a jet eruption, but more of a large, roiling boil. These eruptions occur every 19–40 hours.

Artemisia Geyser has an average temperate of 186°F (85.6°C), an average pH of 8.4, and an average conductivity of 2031 uS/cm.

Geysers

Geysers have constrictions in their plumbing systems that prevent water from moving freely to the surface where heat would escape. Water beneath the constrictions creates a buildup of steam. Eventually the steam pushes water past the constrictions and the geyser erupts.

Upper Geyser Basin

The majority of world’s active geysers are in the Upper Geyser Basin, including Old Faithful. Only four other places in the world have large concentrations of hydrothermal features: Russia (Kamchatka), Chile, New Zealand, and Iceland.

The heat for the hydrothermal features comes from Yellowstone’s volcano. Molten rock or magma may be as close as 3-8 miles (5-13 km) underground. Rain and snow supply water that seeps down several thousand feet (more than a kilometer) below the surface where it is heated.

Underground cracks form a natural plumbing system. Hot water rises through the plumbing to produce hot springs and geysers.

Use Caution in Hydrothermal Areas

• Stay on boardwalks and designated trails.
• Hydrothermal water can severely burn you.
• Never run, push, or shove.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Do not scratch hydrothermal mats.

You are responsible for your safety.

Think safety, act safely. Yellowstone is a dangerous place.