
Unveiling the Mystery: A Bizarre New Thermal Pool Discovered in Yellowstone!
2025-07-15
Author: Jessica Wong
A Stunning Discovery in Yellowstone National Park
In an astonishing turn of events last April, geologists stumbled upon an unexpected gem during routine checks of temperature logging stations in Yellowstone National Park’s Norris Geyser Basin: a previously unknown thermal pool shimmering with blue water!
The Details of the New Thermal Pool
Nestled in the Porcelain Basin subbasin, this striking pool measures approximately 13 feet (4 meters) across, boasting a heated temperature of around 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). With its surface resting a foot (30 centimeters) below the rim, the pool is encircled by light-gray mud-covered rocks, some reaching up to a foot wide.
How Did This Pool Come to Be?
Geologists suggest that this stunning feature likely formed from a hydrothermal explosion — a violent event when liquid water transforms into steam and triggers overwhelming underground pressure that leads to a powerful steam blast. Such geological events aren’t unusual in the Norris Geyser Basin, known for its historical eruptions like the infamous 1989 Porkchop Geyser explosion.
A Glimpse into the Formation Timeline
Intriguingly, satellite images confirm that this thermal pool didn’t exist before December 19, 2024. By January 6, 2025, a small cavity began to emerge, and by February 13, the mesmerizing blue pool had fully formed. While a newly installed monitoring station detected weak acoustic signals from the area during this time, no loud explosions were recorded, pointing to a series of smaller detonations rather than one massive explosion.
Norris Geyser Basin: The Heart of Thermal Activity
Norris Geyser Basin stands as the oldest and most active thermal zone in Yellowstone, home to the world’s tallest geyser. With over 10,000 thermal features — including geysers, hot springs, steam vents, and mudpots — this area draws tourists and researchers from around the globe. The thermal energy in Yellowstone is fueled by a colossal underground magma reservoir, heating the groundwater and spurring an array of chemical and physical reactions.
What This Means for Earth Sciences
This latest discovery is a gentle reminder that even the most meticulously studied landscapes can still hold secrets. As scientists continue to explore Yellowstone, who knows what other breathtaking phenomena await us?