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Yellowstone Geyser Erupts After 5-Year Slumber
3 Mar
Summary
- Echinus Geyser has erupted again after being inactive for over five years.
- The geyser's unique acidic water chemistry creates interesting mineral formations.
- Activity began in February 2026 with regular eruptions occurring every few hours.
The world's largest acidic geyser, Echinus Geyser in Yellowstone National Park, has dramatically reawakened after more than five years of inactivity. This iconic geyser, located in the Norris Geyser Basin, had been largely dormant since October 2017.
Signs of renewed activity were first observed in February 2026, with the geyser erupting on February 7th and continuing sporadically. By February 16th, regular eruptions reaching 20-30 feet commenced every few hours. Echinus Geyser is characterized by its acidic water, a result of gas and water mixing, which is not strong enough to erode surrounding rocks but creates striking mineral formations and colors.
Historically, Echinus Geyser was a frequent performer, with viewing platforms allowing close access. However, its activity waned significantly in the early 2000s. While recent spikes in activity have been noted, park officials suggest continued eruptions into the summer are unlikely, though predicting its behavior remains uncertain.
