Map of the northwestern U.S., showing the approximate locations of the Yellowstone hotspot volcanic fields (orange) and Columbia River Basalts (gray). Boundary of Yellowstone National Park is shown in yellow. Inset shows physiographic map of southwest Montana and central Idaho.
Images
![Map of Timber Hill basalt in the context of the Yellowstone hotspot track](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/overall%20map%20of%20region.jpg?itok=xjwSHy6e)
Map of the northwestern U.S., showing the approximate locations of the Yellowstone hotspot volcanic fields (orange) and Columbia River Basalts (gray). Boundary of Yellowstone National Park is shown in yellow. Inset shows physiographic map of southwest Montana and central Idaho.
![Geologic map of the Timber Hill basalt Sweetwater Hills, Montana](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Zoomed%20map.jpg?itok=BRN_pewL)
Simplified geologic map of the Timber Hill basalt and underlying geology in the Sweetwater Hills. The Sweetwater Road is shown by red. Note the basalt flow generally rests on poorly cemented sediments of the Sixmile Creek Formation shown in orange. Map by Jesse Mosolof (Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology).
Simplified geologic map of the Timber Hill basalt and underlying geology in the Sweetwater Hills. The Sweetwater Road is shown by red. Note the basalt flow generally rests on poorly cemented sediments of the Sixmile Creek Formation shown in orange. Map by Jesse Mosolof (Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology).
Frying Pan Lake (also called Waimangu Cauldron), in New Zealand, sits within Echo Crater, which formed during the 1886 eruption of Tarawera. A hydrothermal explosion from the crater in 1917 resulted in the formation of the hot spring "lake" by 1918.
Frying Pan Lake (also called Waimangu Cauldron), in New Zealand, sits within Echo Crater, which formed during the 1886 eruption of Tarawera. A hydrothermal explosion from the crater in 1917 resulted in the formation of the hot spring "lake" by 1918.
![Volcanic deposits associated with the Absaroka volcanic province along the eastern and northern boundaries of Yellowstone National Park](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/AVS%20Distribution.png?itok=QEQgyxiR)
Volcanic deposits associated with the Absaroka volcanic province along the eastern and northern boundaries of Yellowstone National Park
linkVolcanic deposits associated with the Absaroka volcanic province along the eastern and northern boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. The left panel shows the spread of the Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup (AVS) throughout Wyoming and Montana.
Volcanic deposits associated with the Absaroka volcanic province along the eastern and northern boundaries of Yellowstone National Park
linkVolcanic deposits associated with the Absaroka volcanic province along the eastern and northern boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. The left panel shows the spread of the Absaroka Volcanic Supergroup (AVS) throughout Wyoming and Montana.
![Isotopic composition of units within the Absaroka volcanic province](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Caldera%20Chronicles%20Isotope%20Figure_Updated.jpg?itok=M3kZ6Y9f)
Isotopic composition of the primary volcanic groups of the Absaroka volcanic province (the Washburn, Sunlight, and Thorofare groups) and two volcaniclastic units, the Sepulcher formation and the Daly formation.
Isotopic composition of the primary volcanic groups of the Absaroka volcanic province (the Washburn, Sunlight, and Thorofare groups) and two volcaniclastic units, the Sepulcher formation and the Daly formation.
![Map of the distribution of pH for thermal pools within Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/pH_2018Inventory.jpg?itok=5dGeFNW1)
Map of the distribution of pH for thermal pools within Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
linkMap of the distribution of pH for thermal pools within Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. Cool colors are acidic, and warm colors are neutral to slightly basic. These data were collected and organized using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Map by Jefferson Hungerford and Kiernan Folz-Donahue, Yellowstone National Park.
Map of the distribution of pH for thermal pools within Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
linkMap of the distribution of pH for thermal pools within Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. Cool colors are acidic, and warm colors are neutral to slightly basic. These data were collected and organized using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Map by Jefferson Hungerford and Kiernan Folz-Donahue, Yellowstone National Park.
![Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Ystn%20Map_L8_TIR_2023-01-31.jpg?itok=cLJHdrSg)
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023. Satellite-based thermal infrared data show areas on the surface that are warmer versus cooler, and they can be used to estimate surface temperature and the geothermal radiative heat output from the Yellowstone magmatic and hydrothermal system.
Landsat 8 nighttime thermal infrared image of Yellowstone National Park from January 31, 2023. Satellite-based thermal infrared data show areas on the surface that are warmer versus cooler, and they can be used to estimate surface temperature and the geothermal radiative heat output from the Yellowstone magmatic and hydrothermal system.
This image, taken early on January 6th, shows a lava fountain on the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u. Numerous areas of upwelling, like the one pictured here, are actively feeding the lava lake and re-surfacing material that was emplaced from activity in 2022. This fountain measured 16-33 feet in height (5-10 meters).
This image, taken early on January 6th, shows a lava fountain on the eastern portion of Halema‘uma‘u. Numerous areas of upwelling, like the one pictured here, are actively feeding the lava lake and re-surfacing material that was emplaced from activity in 2022. This fountain measured 16-33 feet in height (5-10 meters).
![person standing on edge of open crater with three cameras. orange lava erupting and flowing into crater.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/multimediaFile-3754.png?itok=fEWQkV4A)
A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.
A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist documents the new eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at Kīlauea summit within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The eruption began just after 4:30 p.m. on January 5, 2023, and remains confined to Halema‘uma‘u crater. USGS image by D. Downs.
The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
The KWcam webcam, on the west rim of Kīlauea caldera, was upgraded on January 4, 2023, to a more advanced model, which provides a slightly wider view and higher image quality. This should provide an improved view of any future activity in Halema‘uma‘u. In this photo, an HVO scientist begins the process of the webcam swap. USGS photo by M. Patrick.
![Plot of Yellowstone Lake level in June 13, 2021, showing a repeating seiche wave](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/yellowstone_lake_plot.png?itok=mg6mzISI)
An example of the repeating seiche—a long-period oscillatory wave that can be present on a lake—measured over the course of a day by the lake-level sensor at the Grant Village boat dock on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. The plot shows a cyclic variation of about 2 centimeters that occurs numerous times during June 13, 2021.
An example of the repeating seiche—a long-period oscillatory wave that can be present on a lake—measured over the course of a day by the lake-level sensor at the Grant Village boat dock on the West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake. The plot shows a cyclic variation of about 2 centimeters that occurs numerous times during June 13, 2021.
![Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/unconformity%20sketch%20and%20photo.jpg?itok=LgjdtKfN)
Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park. Sketch at the top was made by geologist William Henry Holmes in 1878 and correctly identifies Cretaceous sediments overlain by much younger rhyolite rocks, including fine ash deposits (“tufa”). The photo at the bottom shows the same outcrop as viewed from Mammoth Hot Springs (USGS
Geology of the unconformity on Mount Everts in Yellowstone National Park. Sketch at the top was made by geologist William Henry Holmes in 1878 and correctly identifies Cretaceous sediments overlain by much younger rhyolite rocks, including fine ash deposits (“tufa”). The photo at the bottom shows the same outcrop as viewed from Mammoth Hot Springs (USGS
![Pie diagram showing chloride flux measured in 2022 in rivers of Yellowstone National Park](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/figure%2028%20-%202022_Cl%20Flux.jpg?itok=-0OENrQB)
Pie diagram showing the chloride flux, in kilotons per year (kt/yr), measured in 2022, with percentages for the four major rivers (Madison, Yellowstone, Snake, and Falls rivers) that drain Yellowstone National Park. Figure developed by Baine McCleskey.
Pie diagram showing the chloride flux, in kilotons per year (kt/yr), measured in 2022, with percentages for the four major rivers (Madison, Yellowstone, Snake, and Falls rivers) that drain Yellowstone National Park. Figure developed by Baine McCleskey.
![SP Crater in the San Francisco volcanic field of northern Arizona](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/SP_Crater_Wall_2022.jpg?itok=U_iEoPhj)
SP Crater (right foreground), like many volcanoes in Arizona’s San Francisco volcanic field, erupted mafic lava that lacks sanidine crystals.
SP Crater (right foreground), like many volcanoes in Arizona’s San Francisco volcanic field, erupted mafic lava that lacks sanidine crystals.
![Satellite, airborne, and ground-based images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Pallisade%20high-res%20views.jpg?itok=tLsE1QXX)
Images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park
linkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park. A, WorldView-3 satellite image from September 2014. B, National Park Service (NPS) aerial photograph from 2017. Images A and B were acquired before the feature went largely dry in late 2019 or 2020. C, WorldView-3 satellite image from June 2020.
Images of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park
linkImages of an unnamed thermal feature in the Three River Junction thermal area in southwest Yellowstone National Park. A, WorldView-3 satellite image from September 2014. B, National Park Service (NPS) aerial photograph from 2017. Images A and B were acquired before the feature went largely dry in late 2019 or 2020. C, WorldView-3 satellite image from June 2020.
![3D rendering of the shear-wave-speed anomaly below Yellowstone](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/3d_landscape.png?itok=D2aBkdOw)
3D rendering of the shear-wave-speed anomaly (ɗVS) below Yellowstone. Regions of strongly reduced shear-wave speed most likely indicate volumes of partially molten crust. Iso-surfaces (surfaces of constant ɗVS) are shown in increments of 5%.
3D rendering of the shear-wave-speed anomaly (ɗVS) below Yellowstone. Regions of strongly reduced shear-wave speed most likely indicate volumes of partially molten crust. Iso-surfaces (surfaces of constant ɗVS) are shown in increments of 5%.
![Seismic data coverage of the Yellowstone region and example of seismic noise records](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/ys_data_v3.png?itok=c5zfsjJ1)
Seismic data coverage of the Yellowstone region and example of seismic noise records. By cross-correlating signals of the background noise recorded at two seismic stations and stacking the signals over many days, useful seismic waveforms can be extracted.
Seismic data coverage of the Yellowstone region and example of seismic noise records. By cross-correlating signals of the background noise recorded at two seismic stations and stacking the signals over many days, useful seismic waveforms can be extracted.
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line shows the caldera boundary, Yellowstone National Park is outlined by black dot-dashed line, and gray dashed lines denote state boundaries.
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2022. Gray lines are roads, black dashed line shows the caldera boundary, Yellowstone National Park is outlined by black dot-dashed line, and gray dashed lines denote state boundaries.
![glowing red and orange lava flows moving down a dark slope with orange and red clouds in the sky.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/11292022-SaddleRoad%20AM_0.jpg?itok=ZUucAfMn)
Mauna Loa eruption from the Northeast Rift Zone sends lava flows to the north downslope toward Saddle Road. As of 6am local time, flows were 6 miles from Saddle Road.
linkPhotograph taken from Saddle Road at 6AM Hawaii time on November 29, 2022 shows lava flows moving northeast downslope of Mauna Loa volcano from the Northeast Rift Zone eruption.
Mauna Loa eruption from the Northeast Rift Zone sends lava flows to the north downslope toward Saddle Road. As of 6am local time, flows were 6 miles from Saddle Road.
linkPhotograph taken from Saddle Road at 6AM Hawaii time on November 29, 2022 shows lava flows moving northeast downslope of Mauna Loa volcano from the Northeast Rift Zone eruption.
![glowing red and orange lava flows moving down a dark slope with orange and red clouds in the sky.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/11292022-SaddleRoad%20AM2_0.jpg?itok=js7SCZuG)
Mauna Loa eruption from the Northeast Rift Zone sends lava flows to the north downslope. As of 6am local time, flows were 6 miles from Saddle Road.
linkPhotograph taken from Saddle Road at 6AM Hawaii time on November 29, 2022 shows lava flows moving northeast downslope of Mauna Loa volcano from the Northeast Rift Zone eruption.
Mauna Loa eruption from the Northeast Rift Zone sends lava flows to the north downslope. As of 6am local time, flows were 6 miles from Saddle Road.
linkPhotograph taken from Saddle Road at 6AM Hawaii time on November 29, 2022 shows lava flows moving northeast downslope of Mauna Loa volcano from the Northeast Rift Zone eruption.
![Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Google%20Earth%20map%20of%20Fountain%20Hotel.jpg?itok=wxbEKZNF)
Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel
linkGoogle Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin showing the site of the Fountain Hotel and nearby Leather Pool, which was tapped to provide a source of hot water for the hotel.
Google Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, showing the site of the Fountain Hotel
linkGoogle Earth image of the north part of Lower Geyser Basin showing the site of the Fountain Hotel and nearby Leather Pool, which was tapped to provide a source of hot water for the hotel.