Eruptions at Lone Star geyser, Yellowstone National Park, USA: 2. Constraints on subsurface dynamics

Research at Lone Star geyser in Yellowstone National Park reveals that eruptions are triggered by a complex interplay between vapor generation and mass discharge, controlled by subsurface thermo-mechanical processes. The study, utilizing seismic, tilt, lidar, thermal, and gravity data from 32 consecutive eruption cycles, demonstrates that hydrothermal tremor is linked to vapor bubble dynamics. Key findings include the identification of recurring ground surface displacements uncorrelated with eruptions, suggesting periodic filling of a laterally offset reservoir with a compressible two-phase mixture. The research also shows that flow choking in the conduit significantly increases saturated vapor pressure during eruptions, providing new insights into geyser dynamics and subsurface processes.

Vandemeulebrouck, J., Sohn, R. A., Rudolph, M. L., Hurwitz, S., Manga, M., Johnston, M. J. S., Soule, S. A., McPhee, D., Glen, J. M. G., Karlstrom, L., & Murphy, F. (2014). Eruptions at Lone Star geyser, Yellowstone National Park, USA: 2. Constraints on subsurface dynamics. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 119(12), 8688–8707. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/2014jb011526