Yellowstone Steamier? Blame the Surface Bulge
Satellite measurements show a surface bulge in Yellowstone National Park that may be responsible for some unexpected geothermal activity in recent years, according to U.S. Geological Survey scientists.
The bulge, about 25 miles across, rose 5 inches from 1997 to 2003 and may have triggered some thermal unrest at Norris Geyser Basin, including a sudden rise in temperatures, new steam vents and the awakening of Steamboat geyser, the team reported in the current issue of the journal Nature. It is presumed to be caused by the movement of molten rock.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
