The largest acidic geyser has been putting on quite a show
4 hours ago
- #Geyser
- #Volcanology
- #Yellowstone
- Echinus Geyser, the world's largest acidic geyser, is located in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park.
- Named after sea urchin-like rocks, Echinus Geyser has a unique acidic chemistry due to mixing of acidic gases and neutral waters.
- Echinus Geyser was highly active in the late 20th century, with eruptions occurring every 40–80 minutes and lasting up to 90 minutes.
- Activity declined in the early 2000s, but sporadic eruptions were recorded in 2010-2011, 2017, and 2020.
- Recent activity in February 2026 saw eruptions every 2–5 hours, reaching heights of 6–10 meters (20–30 feet).
- Echinus Geyser's eruptions are monitored via temperature spikes on the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory website.
- The geyser's activity is unpredictable, with periods of dormancy and sudden eruptions, making it a dynamic feature of Norris Geyser Basin.