Norris Geyser Basin

In 2003, activity in the Norris Geyser Basin increased and scientists logged higher ground temperatures and witnessed a greater number of geyser eruptions. In order to better understand the hydrothermal system at Yellowstone, a temporary network of monitoring equipment was installed, which was eventually followed by the installation of a more robust network.

This geyser is located at the eastern edge of Norris’ Back Basin. It rarely has major eruptions, but when they occur they are powerful. In these events, columns of hot water reach heights up to 100 meters followed by a raucous steam phase that can last for over a day, loudly discharging steam nearly 200 meters into the atmosphere.

Echinus geyser exhibits irregular behavior, sometimes erupting regularly for months, and then ceasing altogether.

This oft-active geyser is located close to the boardwalk in Porcelain Basin.

Hot spring located at the northwest end of Porcelain Terrace.

This pool is located at the southwest end of Norris’ Back Basin.

Yellowstone National Park contains more than 10,000 thermal features, including the world's greatest concentration of geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and steamvents.

The Gray Lakes Tributary drains thermal features in the southwest part of the Back Basin such as Green Dragon. It does not include waters coming from Steamboat and Echinus Geysers.

At this site, soil temperature is monitored about 15 cm beneath the ground surface.

This site collects water from all parts of the Norris Geyser Basin except The Gap and Hundred Springs Plain.

Air temperature is measured in a shady area near this cold lake.