Yellowstone calls for ‘citizen scientists’ to help research Biscuit Basin explosion

YELLOWSTONE, Wyo. ( ABC4 ) — Yellowstone National Park is putting out the call to all “citizen scientists.”

Last week, Biscuit Basin exploded, sending debris flying and destroying a nearby boardwalk. The entire event was caught on video showing visitors watching in awe before running from the debris as it fell from the sky.

Now, Yellowstone National Park and the United State Geological Survey is asking for help in gathering information about the event.

Anyone who has additional photos or videos of Black Diamond Pool, Black Opal Pool, or Wall Pool taken between July 16 and July 23, or was in attendance during the Biscuit Basin hydrothermal explosion, is asked to reach out.

“Hydrothermal explosions are common, but not often witnessed,” Yellowstone National Park officials said in its call for service. “By sharing your observations and media, you can directly contribute to important scientific research on this underappreciated geologic hazard.”

Shortly after the explosion, Yellowstone and USGS officials began monitoring the area, noting that the explosion did not reflect any change in the volcanic system. In a joint statement shared with Nexstar, the two said hydrothermal explosions aren’t a sign of an impending volcanic eruption and are not caused by magma rising to the surface.

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