Cliff Geyser

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Quick Facts

Location:

Old Faithful Area

Cliff Geyser is a clear pool in a geyserite ring that sits along the river bank. Round, bulbous geyserite fills the ring and forms the outer edge, but outside the ring pea-sized geyserite covers the surface. Hard sinter covers the further surrounding area. Some orange thermophiles exist in the area where Cliff Geyser drains. While Cliff Geyser has a varied history, recently it seems to be following a cycle of draining, then minor eruptions while the area fills, eventually resulting in a major eruption, the pool drains and remains quiet for a period before starting the cycle again. The interval between cycles can be up to 35 minutes.

Cliff Geyser has an average temperate of 174.3°F (79.1°C), an average pH of 6.1, and an average conductivity of 2295 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.

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.