Steamboat Geyser
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Steamboat Geyser, in Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin, is the world's tallest currently-active geyser. During major eruptions, water may be thrown more than 90 meters (300 feet) into the air (Bryan, T.S. 2001, National Park Service 2004).
Waimangu Geyser in New Zealand was taller--exceptional eruptions were capable of reaching 500 meters (1600 feet)--but a landslide changed the local water table (Glennon, J.A. 2005); Waimangu has not erupted since 1914.
Steamboat major eruptions last from 3 to 40 minutes in length, and are followed by powerful jets of steam (National Park Service 2004). Steamboat does not erupt on a predictable schedule. The recorded intervals between eruptions range from four days to fifty years. Minor eruptions are much more frequent.
As of 23 May 2005, the last eight eruptions of Steamboat Geyser occurred on:
- 12 October 1991
- 2 May 2000
- 13 September 2002
- 26 April 2002
- 26 March 2003
- 27 April 2003
- 22 October 2003
- 23 May 2005
Steamboat Geyser possesses two vents approximately five meters apart: a northern and southern. The geyser is located at 2303 meters above mean sea level.
Reference
- Bryan, T.S. (2001). Geysers of Yellowstone, 3rd edition. University Press of Colorado.
- Glennon, J.A. (2005). About Geysers, website: http://www.geyserworld.com
- National Park Service (2004). Steamboat Geyser, website: http://www.nps.gov/yell/tours/norris/steambt.htm