The beautiful Morning Glory pool is located near Old Faithful. However, it has changed over time because of people and past climate. But how?
Michael Poland
Mike Poland is a research geophysicist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.
Mike's area of specialization is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity. This work involves the use of space-based technologies, like Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), as well as ground-based techniques, like microgravity surveys. Mike has taken part in studies on a variety of volcanic systems in the United States, including Mount St. Helens and other volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest, Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes in Hawaii, and the Yellowstone caldera. His recent work has focused on using gravity change over time to understand the character of the fluids that drive volcanic unrest, and also on the potential of satellite data to improve forecasts of future changes in volcanic activity.
Professional Experience
U.S. Geological Survey - Yellowstone Volcano Observatory: Scientist-in-Charge (2017 - present)
U.S. Geological Survey – Cascades Volcano Observatory: Research Geophysicist (2015 - present)
U.S. Geological Survey – Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: Research Geophysicist (2005 - 2015)
U.S. Geological Survey – Cascades Volcano Observatory: Research Geophysicist (2002 - 2005)
Department of Geology, Clark College (Vancouver, Washington): Instructor (2004)
Arizona State University, Department of Geological Sciences: Graduate Teaching/Research Assoc. (1997 - 2001)
Education and Certifications
Arizona State University: Ph.D. (2001), Geological Sciences
University of California, Davis: B.S. (1997), Geology
Affiliations and Memberships*
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Geological Society of America (GSA)
International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI)
Honors and Awards
Fellow, Geological Society of America, 2021
Science and Products
Optimizing satellite resources for the global assessment and mitigation of volcanic hazards
Data of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Kīlauea Campaign Gravity Network (KCGN)
Continuous gravity data from K?lauea Volcano, Hawai?i
Repeat microgravity data from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
![Morning Glory Pool Was Blue? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - July 2024) Morning Glory Pool Was Blue?](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/yvo-july-2024-blue_0.png?itok=5Y5sr3Xo)
The beautiful Morning Glory pool is located near Old Faithful. However, it has changed over time because of people and past climate. But how?
![Animation of annual Yellowstone seismicity 2017-2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/YS-quakes-2017-2023.gif?itok=nAtXHAVE)
This animation shows a map of of Yellowstone seismicity by year from 2017 through 2023. Earthquakes are red circles, with the circle size indicating earthquake magnitude. 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.
This animation shows a map of of Yellowstone seismicity by year from 2017 through 2023. Earthquakes are red circles, with the circle size indicating earthquake magnitude. 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.
![Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2024) Swimming Pools at Yellowstone?](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-006-YVO-Swimming-Pools.png?itok=-WGWSQXK)
Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update.
Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update.
![Infographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/YVO_annualreport2023_infographic.jpg?itok=ygrGK-ms)
Infographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023
linkInfographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023. The graphic accompanies the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
Infographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023
linkInfographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023. The graphic accompanies the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
![Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2023_annual_report_cover.jpg?itok=1fw5jV3T)
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information. The report is freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information. The report is freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
![Site of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, 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/crater%20photo_0.jpg?itok=Y4n56SqS)
Site of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
linkSite of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. The small crater and disrupted ground are in silica sinter deposits that formed in the past two years, since water has been flowing from the terrace into Nuphar Lake (off photo to right), and angular fragments of ejecta on top of the sinter are
Site of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
linkSite of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. The small crater and disrupted ground are in silica sinter deposits that formed in the past two years, since water has been flowing from the terrace into Nuphar Lake (off photo to right), and angular fragments of ejecta on top of the sinter are
![Mount St. Helens VS Yellowstone (Yellowstone Monthly Update - May 2024) Mount St. Helens vs. Yellowstone](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-May-MountStHelens-vs-Yellowstone.png?itok=kRhTnY8I)
Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone are two of the most well-known volcanoes in the United States. They have some pretty obvious differences, but they have some similarities as well. So, just how similar are Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone?
Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone are two of the most well-known volcanoes in the United States. They have some pretty obvious differences, but they have some similarities as well. So, just how similar are Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone?
![Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/explosion%20infrasound%20and%20seismic%20plot.jpg?itok=87ID2VNG)
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
linkSeismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin. Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum. Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
linkSeismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin. Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum. Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb
![High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/explosion%20satellite%20images.jpg?itok=yct7S5xD)
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
![Ship Wrecked in Yellowstone Lake? (Yellowstone Volcano Monthly Update - April 2024) Man holds a small ship, title reads "Ship wrecked in Yellowstone Lake?"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-April-Wrecked-Ship-v2C.png?itok=U31BpZMn)
Is there a wrecked ship rising out of Yellowstone Lake or is it an April Fool's joke? Watch to learn more!
Is there a wrecked ship rising out of Yellowstone Lake or is it an April Fool's joke? Watch to learn more!
![Kansas covered in ash? Yellowstone's aftermath (Yellowstone Volcano Update - March 2024) Man smirks with "Volcanoes in Kansas?" on top of a U.S. map with volcanic eruption in the background.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-March-Yellowstone-v2.png?itok=zVtu7g8h)
Volcanic ash in Kansas? It's true there's thick deposits there, but where are the source volcanoes? Geologists began puzzling over this in the late 1800s when these deposits were first recognized.
Volcanic ash in Kansas? It's true there's thick deposits there, but where are the source volcanoes? Geologists began puzzling over this in the late 1800s when these deposits were first recognized.
![Whisper or Roar? No More Secrets (Yellowstone Volcano Update - Feb 2024) Whisper or Roar? No more secrets](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-Feb-Silent-Geyser-v1-B.png?itok=xyTGgpvH)
If a geyser erupts and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course it does, and now we can hear it no matter when it happens thanks to a new monitoring station in Yellowstone National Park.
If a geyser erupts and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course it does, and now we can hear it no matter when it happens thanks to a new monitoring station in Yellowstone National Park.
![Top 5 Updates of 2023 — Yellowstone Volcano Update for January 2024 Yellowstone Volcano Observatory - Top 5 Updates of 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-Jan-1-Top-5-Updates-v2-02.png?itok=pbwoh24N)
In this monthly update of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, we present our take on the top five headlines for 2023.
0:12 - Earthquakes, Deformation
1:20 - Steamboat Geyser Eruptions
2:30 - New Monitoring for Hydrothermal
3:24 - Volcanic Eruptions at Yellowstone
4:34 - Magma Chamber below Yellowstone
In this monthly update of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, we present our take on the top five headlines for 2023.
0:12 - Earthquakes, Deformation
1:20 - Steamboat Geyser Eruptions
2:30 - New Monitoring for Hydrothermal
3:24 - Volcanic Eruptions at Yellowstone
4:34 - Magma Chamber below Yellowstone
![Map of earthquakes in the Yellowstone National Park region in 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/EQmap%202023.jpg?itok=2OkGPRrI)
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2023. 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 2023. 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.
Steamboat Geyser is the tallest geyser in the world. It has been putting on a show the last few years for visitors at Yellowstone National Park with a record number of water eruptions, 48 eruptions each in 2019 and 2020. But it's only had eight eruptions in 2023. Is Steamboat losing steam?
Steamboat Geyser is the tallest geyser in the world. It has been putting on a show the last few years for visitors at Yellowstone National Park with a record number of water eruptions, 48 eruptions each in 2019 and 2020. But it's only had eight eruptions in 2023. Is Steamboat losing steam?
![Infrasound data from Norris Geyser Basin showing November 13, 2023, eruption of Steamboat Geyser](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Figure%20BB%20-%20Steamboat%20Infrasound%2020231113.jpg?itok=ddVGndhI)
Infrasound data from Norris Geyser Basin showing November 13, 2023, eruption of Steamboat Geyser
linkInfrasound-array processing for the newly installed station YNB, at Norris Geyser Basin. Top panel shows the pressure waveform from one of the three elements that comprise the array, filtered between 1 and 15 Hz. Bottom panel shows the backazimuth from the station to the source.
Infrasound data from Norris Geyser Basin showing November 13, 2023, eruption of Steamboat Geyser
linkInfrasound-array processing for the newly installed station YNB, at Norris Geyser Basin. Top panel shows the pressure waveform from one of the three elements that comprise the array, filtered between 1 and 15 Hz. Bottom panel shows the backazimuth from the station to the source.
![River levels and vertical deformation of Yellowstone caldera during 2016–2022](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/gage%20versus%20vertical%20def.jpg?itok=ykG8RcCN)
River levels and vertical deformation of Yellowstone caldera during 2016–2022. River level (blue) was measured at the Corwin Springs gaging station on the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Vertical deformation (red) is from the WLWY GPS station on the east side of Yellowstone caldera. The GPS data indicate overall subsiden
River levels and vertical deformation of Yellowstone caldera during 2016–2022. River level (blue) was measured at the Corwin Springs gaging station on the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Vertical deformation (red) is from the WLWY GPS station on the east side of Yellowstone caldera. The GPS data indicate overall subsiden
![Yellowstone Volcano Update — September 2023: KABOOM! Crater to Bay Geyser eruption photo with text on top reading: Kaboom! Crater to Bay.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/kaboom-crater-to-bay2.png?itok=9RoQ06me)
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales? The answer might not be what you think.
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales? The answer might not be what you think.
![Yellowstone Volcano Update — August 2023: MONUMENT TO A TRAGEDY. The origin of Hebgen Lake BIG EARTHQUAKE vs. BIG ERUPTION - Which is more likely at Yellowstone?](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/be-be1.png?itok=mcIFOJKd)
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales?
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales?
![Streamgage site and profiling tool on the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Corwin%20gage%20with%20labels.jpg?itok=ODkTAl2J)
Streamgage site and profiling tool on the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana. The gage house narrowly avoided damage during the June 2022 flood, which eroded the downstream bank. The river profiling instrument helps to map the river bottom to assess streamflow rates and conditions. USGS photo by Mike Poland, July 31, 2023.
Streamgage site and profiling tool on the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana. The gage house narrowly avoided damage during the June 2022 flood, which eroded the downstream bank. The river profiling instrument helps to map the river bottom to assess streamflow rates and conditions. USGS photo by Mike Poland, July 31, 2023.
![Visible (top) and thermal (bottom) images of Porcelain Basin](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/FLIR%20image.jpg?itok=HGflB-6E)
Visible (top) and thermal (bottom) images of Porcelain Basin looking to the north from the old roadbed. Nuphar Lake is off the photograph to the right. Cool-water seeps into Porcelain Basin are clearly evident in the thermal image and appear to flow underground from Nuphar Lake. USGS photos by Mike Poland, July 1, 2023.
Visible (top) and thermal (bottom) images of Porcelain Basin looking to the north from the old roadbed. Nuphar Lake is off the photograph to the right. Cool-water seeps into Porcelain Basin are clearly evident in the thermal image and appear to flow underground from Nuphar Lake. USGS photos by Mike Poland, July 1, 2023.
Remote sensing of volcano deformation and surface change
Lessons learned from the 2022 CONVERSE Monogenetic Volcanism Response Scenario exercise
Microgravity as a tool for eruption forecasting
High-resolution InSAR reveals localized pre-eruptive deformation inside the crater of Agung Volcano, Indonesia
Officially social: Developing a social media crisis communication strategy for USGS Volcanoes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption
Rapid pre-explosion increase in dome extrusion rate at La Soufrière, St. Vincent quantified from synthetic aperture radar backscatter
Optimizing satellite resources for the global assessment and mitigation of volcanic hazards—Suggestions from the USGS Powell Center Volcano Remote Sensing Working Group
Microgravity change during the 2008-2018 Kı̄lauea summit eruption: Nearly a decade of subsurface mass accumulation
The centenary of IAVCEI 1919–2019 and beyond: The people, places, and things of volcano geodesy
Synthetic aperture radar volcanic flow maps (SAR VFMs): A simple method for rapid identification and mapping of volcanic mass flows
Volcano geodesy using InSAR in 2020: The past and next decades
Rainfall an unlikely trigger of Kilauea’s 2018 rift eruption
Science and Products
Optimizing satellite resources for the global assessment and mitigation of volcanic hazards
Data of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) Kīlauea Campaign Gravity Network (KCGN)
Continuous gravity data from K?lauea Volcano, Hawai?i
Repeat microgravity data from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
![Morning Glory Pool Was Blue? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - July 2024) Morning Glory Pool Was Blue?](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/yvo-july-2024-blue_0.png?itok=5Y5sr3Xo)
The beautiful Morning Glory pool is located near Old Faithful. However, it has changed over time because of people and past climate. But how?
The beautiful Morning Glory pool is located near Old Faithful. However, it has changed over time because of people and past climate. But how?
![Animation of annual Yellowstone seismicity 2017-2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/YS-quakes-2017-2023.gif?itok=nAtXHAVE)
This animation shows a map of of Yellowstone seismicity by year from 2017 through 2023. Earthquakes are red circles, with the circle size indicating earthquake magnitude. 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.
This animation shows a map of of Yellowstone seismicity by year from 2017 through 2023. Earthquakes are red circles, with the circle size indicating earthquake magnitude. 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.
![Swimming Pools at Yellowstone? (Yellowstone Monthly Update - June 2024) Swimming Pools at Yellowstone?](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-006-YVO-Swimming-Pools.png?itok=-WGWSQXK)
Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update.
Up until the 1950s, visitors to the Old Faithful area could take a dip. Not at a geyser, but in a real swimming pool. The full story is in this month’s video update.
![Infographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/YVO_annualreport2023_infographic.jpg?itok=ygrGK-ms)
Infographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023
linkInfographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023. The graphic accompanies the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
Infographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023
linkInfographic giving earthquake, deformation, thermal emission, and geyser statistics for the Yellowstone region for the year 2023. The graphic accompanies the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
![Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2023_annual_report_cover.jpg?itok=1fw5jV3T)
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information. The report is freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
Front cover of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory 2023 annual report, which includes a summary of earthquake, deformation, and geyser activity, as well as research investigations and other information. The report is freely available online athttps://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/cir1524.
![Site of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, 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/crater%20photo_0.jpg?itok=Y4n56SqS)
Site of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
linkSite of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. The small crater and disrupted ground are in silica sinter deposits that formed in the past two years, since water has been flowing from the terrace into Nuphar Lake (off photo to right), and angular fragments of ejecta on top of the sinter are
Site of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park
linkSite of April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace, Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. The small crater and disrupted ground are in silica sinter deposits that formed in the past two years, since water has been flowing from the terrace into Nuphar Lake (off photo to right), and angular fragments of ejecta on top of the sinter are
![Mount St. Helens VS Yellowstone (Yellowstone Monthly Update - May 2024) Mount St. Helens vs. Yellowstone](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-May-MountStHelens-vs-Yellowstone.png?itok=kRhTnY8I)
Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone are two of the most well-known volcanoes in the United States. They have some pretty obvious differences, but they have some similarities as well. So, just how similar are Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone?
Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone are two of the most well-known volcanoes in the United States. They have some pretty obvious differences, but they have some similarities as well. So, just how similar are Mount St. Helens and Yellowstone?
![Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/explosion%20infrasound%20and%20seismic%20plot.jpg?itok=87ID2VNG)
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
linkSeismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin. Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum. Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb
Seismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin
linkSeismic and infrasound data for the April 15, 2024, hydrothermal explosion on Porcelain Terrace at Norris Geyser Basin. Top plot is seismic data from the YNM station, located at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum. Middle plot is seismic data from station YNB, in the Ragged Hills of Norris Geyser Basin. Bottom plot is infrasound data from station YNB.&nb
![High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/explosion%20satellite%20images.jpg?itok=yct7S5xD)
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
High-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024
linkHigh-resolution satellite images of Norris Geyser Basin showing the area of Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake in April 2024. In the left image, acquired on April 2, 2024, springs on Porcelain Terrace are full of water, and warm hydrothermal water is flowing into Nuphar Lake, keeping the north part of the lake free of ice. Boardwalks in the area appear as w
![Ship Wrecked in Yellowstone Lake? (Yellowstone Volcano Monthly Update - April 2024) Man holds a small ship, title reads "Ship wrecked in Yellowstone Lake?"](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-April-Wrecked-Ship-v2C.png?itok=U31BpZMn)
Is there a wrecked ship rising out of Yellowstone Lake or is it an April Fool's joke? Watch to learn more!
Is there a wrecked ship rising out of Yellowstone Lake or is it an April Fool's joke? Watch to learn more!
![Kansas covered in ash? Yellowstone's aftermath (Yellowstone Volcano Update - March 2024) Man smirks with "Volcanoes in Kansas?" on top of a U.S. map with volcanic eruption in the background.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-March-Yellowstone-v2.png?itok=zVtu7g8h)
Volcanic ash in Kansas? It's true there's thick deposits there, but where are the source volcanoes? Geologists began puzzling over this in the late 1800s when these deposits were first recognized.
Volcanic ash in Kansas? It's true there's thick deposits there, but where are the source volcanoes? Geologists began puzzling over this in the late 1800s when these deposits were first recognized.
![Whisper or Roar? No More Secrets (Yellowstone Volcano Update - Feb 2024) Whisper or Roar? No more secrets](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-Feb-Silent-Geyser-v1-B.png?itok=xyTGgpvH)
If a geyser erupts and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course it does, and now we can hear it no matter when it happens thanks to a new monitoring station in Yellowstone National Park.
If a geyser erupts and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Of course it does, and now we can hear it no matter when it happens thanks to a new monitoring station in Yellowstone National Park.
![Top 5 Updates of 2023 — Yellowstone Volcano Update for January 2024 Yellowstone Volcano Observatory - Top 5 Updates of 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/2024-Jan-1-Top-5-Updates-v2-02.png?itok=pbwoh24N)
In this monthly update of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, we present our take on the top five headlines for 2023.
0:12 - Earthquakes, Deformation
1:20 - Steamboat Geyser Eruptions
2:30 - New Monitoring for Hydrothermal
3:24 - Volcanic Eruptions at Yellowstone
4:34 - Magma Chamber below Yellowstone
In this monthly update of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, we present our take on the top five headlines for 2023.
0:12 - Earthquakes, Deformation
1:20 - Steamboat Geyser Eruptions
2:30 - New Monitoring for Hydrothermal
3:24 - Volcanic Eruptions at Yellowstone
4:34 - Magma Chamber below Yellowstone
![Map of earthquakes in the Yellowstone National Park region in 2023](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/EQmap%202023.jpg?itok=2OkGPRrI)
Map of seismicity (red circles) in the Yellowstone region during 2023. 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 2023. 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.
Steamboat Geyser is the tallest geyser in the world. It has been putting on a show the last few years for visitors at Yellowstone National Park with a record number of water eruptions, 48 eruptions each in 2019 and 2020. But it's only had eight eruptions in 2023. Is Steamboat losing steam?
Steamboat Geyser is the tallest geyser in the world. It has been putting on a show the last few years for visitors at Yellowstone National Park with a record number of water eruptions, 48 eruptions each in 2019 and 2020. But it's only had eight eruptions in 2023. Is Steamboat losing steam?
![Infrasound data from Norris Geyser Basin showing November 13, 2023, eruption of Steamboat Geyser](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Figure%20BB%20-%20Steamboat%20Infrasound%2020231113.jpg?itok=ddVGndhI)
Infrasound data from Norris Geyser Basin showing November 13, 2023, eruption of Steamboat Geyser
linkInfrasound-array processing for the newly installed station YNB, at Norris Geyser Basin. Top panel shows the pressure waveform from one of the three elements that comprise the array, filtered between 1 and 15 Hz. Bottom panel shows the backazimuth from the station to the source.
Infrasound data from Norris Geyser Basin showing November 13, 2023, eruption of Steamboat Geyser
linkInfrasound-array processing for the newly installed station YNB, at Norris Geyser Basin. Top panel shows the pressure waveform from one of the three elements that comprise the array, filtered between 1 and 15 Hz. Bottom panel shows the backazimuth from the station to the source.
![River levels and vertical deformation of Yellowstone caldera during 2016–2022](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/gage%20versus%20vertical%20def.jpg?itok=ykG8RcCN)
River levels and vertical deformation of Yellowstone caldera during 2016–2022. River level (blue) was measured at the Corwin Springs gaging station on the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Vertical deformation (red) is from the WLWY GPS station on the east side of Yellowstone caldera. The GPS data indicate overall subsiden
River levels and vertical deformation of Yellowstone caldera during 2016–2022. River level (blue) was measured at the Corwin Springs gaging station on the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Vertical deformation (red) is from the WLWY GPS station on the east side of Yellowstone caldera. The GPS data indicate overall subsiden
![Yellowstone Volcano Update — September 2023: KABOOM! Crater to Bay Geyser eruption photo with text on top reading: Kaboom! Crater to Bay.](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/kaboom-crater-to-bay2.png?itok=9RoQ06me)
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales? The answer might not be what you think.
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales? The answer might not be what you think.
![Yellowstone Volcano Update — August 2023: MONUMENT TO A TRAGEDY. The origin of Hebgen Lake BIG EARTHQUAKE vs. BIG ERUPTION - Which is more likely at Yellowstone?](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/be-be1.png?itok=mcIFOJKd)
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales?
What geologic hazard is most likely to occur in the Yellowstone region on human timescales?
![Streamgage site and profiling tool on the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/Corwin%20gage%20with%20labels.jpg?itok=ODkTAl2J)
Streamgage site and profiling tool on the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana. The gage house narrowly avoided damage during the June 2022 flood, which eroded the downstream bank. The river profiling instrument helps to map the river bottom to assess streamflow rates and conditions. USGS photo by Mike Poland, July 31, 2023.
Streamgage site and profiling tool on the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, Montana. The gage house narrowly avoided damage during the June 2022 flood, which eroded the downstream bank. The river profiling instrument helps to map the river bottom to assess streamflow rates and conditions. USGS photo by Mike Poland, July 31, 2023.
![Visible (top) and thermal (bottom) images of Porcelain Basin](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/masonry/public/media/images/FLIR%20image.jpg?itok=HGflB-6E)
Visible (top) and thermal (bottom) images of Porcelain Basin looking to the north from the old roadbed. Nuphar Lake is off the photograph to the right. Cool-water seeps into Porcelain Basin are clearly evident in the thermal image and appear to flow underground from Nuphar Lake. USGS photos by Mike Poland, July 1, 2023.
Visible (top) and thermal (bottom) images of Porcelain Basin looking to the north from the old roadbed. Nuphar Lake is off the photograph to the right. Cool-water seeps into Porcelain Basin are clearly evident in the thermal image and appear to flow underground from Nuphar Lake. USGS photos by Mike Poland, July 1, 2023.
Remote sensing of volcano deformation and surface change
Lessons learned from the 2022 CONVERSE Monogenetic Volcanism Response Scenario exercise
Microgravity as a tool for eruption forecasting
High-resolution InSAR reveals localized pre-eruptive deformation inside the crater of Agung Volcano, Indonesia
Officially social: Developing a social media crisis communication strategy for USGS Volcanoes during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption
Rapid pre-explosion increase in dome extrusion rate at La Soufrière, St. Vincent quantified from synthetic aperture radar backscatter
Optimizing satellite resources for the global assessment and mitigation of volcanic hazards—Suggestions from the USGS Powell Center Volcano Remote Sensing Working Group
Microgravity change during the 2008-2018 Kı̄lauea summit eruption: Nearly a decade of subsurface mass accumulation
The centenary of IAVCEI 1919–2019 and beyond: The people, places, and things of volcano geodesy
Synthetic aperture radar volcanic flow maps (SAR VFMs): A simple method for rapid identification and mapping of volcanic mass flows
Volcano geodesy using InSAR in 2020: The past and next decades
Rainfall an unlikely trigger of Kilauea’s 2018 rift eruption
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government