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fne 1 iii lillI .· • Effects of the Hebgen Lake
Earthquake of August 17, 1959
on the Hot Springs of the
Firehole Geyser Basins #../ ·· 0 ,, -1 Yellowstone- National Park i
- -By GEORGE D. MARLER · /46 f• 1 1 THE HEBGEN LAKE, MONTANA, EARTHQUAKE OF AUGUST 17, 1959 i t .i t ,.,, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PRO·FESSIONAL PAPER 435-Q
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UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1964 ·
-1 CONTENTS
Page 1S5 185 fon« 185 PM 186 survey 186 , of August to December 105(1 1S6 wthquake changes...._...... - 195 ;eyser Bngin 195 Geyser R n vin 196 ;cyser Rnqin 196 197 197 III
! ll f 4..., .
D
[* ' THE HEBGEN LAKE, MONTANA, EARTHQUAKE OF AUGUST 17, 1959
fFECTS OF THE.HEBGEN LAKE EARTHQUAKE OF AUGUST 17, 1959, ON THE HOT SPRINGS OF THE FIREHOLE GEYSER BASINS, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
6
By GEORGE D. MARLER 8
ABSTRACT j Because the author is particularly familiar with the i . ;i, 1,•,59 Irebgen Lake earthquake resulted in great changes thermal areas in the Firehole geyser basins and be- '. ile flinctional behavior of most of the ' thermal springs cause preearthquake records of thermal activity are i. .:: the Firehole and Gil)bon Rivers in the Yellowstone Na- far more abundant for this area than for others in the 1,41 I,ark. The effects were particularly marked along the park, this paper deals mainly with the Firehole basins, qI:<,1,· drainage. This is the region of Yellowstone's 3-pst ..1-Et:>.Hers and hQL springs. The initial ·tremors served the region of Yellowstone's most famous geysers and t, Impetus to bring about eruptive activity in scores of hot springs. -,rit nncl quiesceut_SPIings. Many long-dormant geysers ,, FIRST IMPRESSIONS i . gM-n few new geysers were born. Some hot springs ·' ..3,·,11 <, be affected adversely, but on the whole there was As 'soon as daylight of August 18 permitted,. a hur- .,·:·In·al,le increase in thermal energy that, with the passing ried »connaissance was made of the geyser basins. r.';: ".,1 gave evidence of persisting. This paper gives a Most,of the springs visited on that and succeeding 3.40 4 the immi:dinte effpcts of the earthquake upon the da,jis showed evidence of functional alterati6n. One 21,/4 112 the Firehole geyser basins; and then, by means of of the noticeable changes was the marked increase in , •:n, i,resents data which show preearthquake and post- (:--·;.iti:ike conditions of the better known hot springs. These discharge of hot water and steam. As the reconnais- ., ilt·:,1 with functional behavior, tenlperature, discharge, sance proceeded, the evidence of a general increase in .'. M,c·rril characteristics. temperature and activity became even more apparent. Scores of hitherto quiescent springs with no previous INTRODUCTION recdrd of geyser activity were either boiling or showed 11:,ty earthquakes have been recorded in Yellow- clear evidence of having erupted. Large fragments •: Nalional Park since its establishment in 1872. of sinter scattered around the craters of some springs ..il.\1'glist 17, 1959, none was gf suilicient intensity indicated a major increase of activity and forceful :.1,Millce observable changes in any hot spring, and eruptibn. ,· ,1,·,pile tlie fact that many important changes in - The earthquake not only stimulated geyser activity lim •xmgs have taken place since their discovery. in many formerly quiescent springs, but most of the · t.t- e i i.,· liel,gen Lake eartliqualce, with a magnitude of geysers with established patterns of play erupted at. 1,·,tilled in severe jarrings all over the park. It shorter intervals. Only a few of the well-known " ntily in western sections, however, that severe geysers seemed to be affected adversely in tliat their r:ly restilted to man-made installations. In this activity decreased. Dfiring the first few days a num- '' - 1 11(·te were great rock slides from numerous es- ber of springs seemed to have escaped any change in .•,!:wws witli resultant timber destruction and road activity or temperature, but time and additional obser- 4 ..gil :ilso, there were great changes in the be- vatibil disclosed that the earthquake had affected in , I .·,r ,•f liot springs. These changes were particu- varying degree practically every spring in the main '·"' t'mwituced in the geyser basins along the Fire- basins. i6137,1.· :15 miles southeast of tlie epicentral area Cracks and breaks in surface deposits showed in Iebgen Lake. There was also extensive changes many places in all three basins, more particularly in number of hot springs on the Gibbon River drain- the Lower Geyser Basin. Some of these cracks had in tlie northwestern part of the park. Hot springs fumarolic action. In the Firehole Lake area of the : affected to a lesser degree in eastern sections. Lower Geyser Basin the cracks were crisscrossed with
S. National Park Service. numerous minor displacements but with no apparent . 185
1 . i 186 THE HEBGEN LAKE, MONTANA, EARTHQUAKE OF AUGUST 17, 1959
system of alinement. Careful menslirements indicated of study following the earthquake. To facilitate the that the total lengtli of the cracks near Firehole Lake postearthquake study, the National Park Service Apl was 9,072 feet, or 1.72 miles. Cracks extended through ,aside funds and created .: project to ]ielp catalog the centers of craters of a few springs. • changes induced by the August 17 earthquake. This One of the unusual conditions produced by the project was given th8 somewhat formidable title earthquake was murkiness of the formerly limpid "Emergency Interpretive Study of Earthquake Phe. water of hundreds of springs. The Lower Basin had nomena, Yellowstone National Park." The first phase a larger proportion of murky springs than the Upper of the study was completed late in December 1959. Basin, and the water in many of the geysers was tinted by fine sediment. RESULTS OF INITIAL SURVEY Not only did the Lower Basin, which is nearer the As indicated above, a cursory inspection of all I-Iebgen Lake area than the Upper Basin, show an groups of springs was made during the first three increased number of turbid springs, but also the water days following the earthquake. The data sought in levels in a large proportion of the springi had fallen. this preview were changes in the state of water and iii The great majority of springs whose livels were a few eruptive activity. A summary of the state of springs inches to a few feet below previous normal states and geysers observed at that time and their location showed distinct evidence that the ebbing had been as to group and basin is given in table 92. The general preceded by surging. and discharge. Throughout the location of the basins and thermal groups as well as basins. there was evideilce that the earthquake had some of the better known thermal units is shown in acted like a giant hand which suddenly applied enor- plate 4. mous pressure to the rocks beneath the hot springs, forcing water from their conduits in a manner com- RESULTS OF SURVEY OF AUGUST TO DECEMBER 1959 parable to the squeezing of a sponge. L. Between the time of the preliminary survey and Conditions around the hot springs indidated that a the end of December, practically every spring listed great increase in discharge took place during or im- as being normal ( table 22 ) underwent changes that mediately after the initial big tremor. Its jarring seem related directly or indirectly to the earthquake, served as a trigger to start discharge from hundreds If the postearthquake observations have revealed any of springs. Had this happened in the daytime, the one fact, it is that many earthquake-induced changes spectator would have witnessed geyser activity on a are progressive. Few days passed without new fuma- scale never even closely approximated since Yellow- roles being developed and previously quiescent springs stone's discovery. Even so, during the days following becoming eruptive. August 17 a spectacle witliout precedent was observed. The effects of the earthquake on thermal water in For example, in the Fountain Group in the Lower the park are shown in tables 23 and 24. Table 25 Basin, major geysers witli no. previous record of con- summarizes data for some of the springs, pools, and certed action erupted simultaneously and for sustained geysers not affected by tlie eartliquake. Tiie classifica- periods never previously known. tion of geysers, springs, and pools is to a considerable extent arbitrary and is used for convenience in pre- OBJECT OF PAPER sentation. It is not based on any natural or special The following discussion shows statistically the na- distinction, rather upon long-accepted local designa- ture aiid degree of change in the behavior of most of tions. During almost any year some named spring or the important and, better known hot springs in the pool may erupt and be given the status of a geyser, Firehole area. The 173 springs considered constitute and many so-called springs and pools are true geysers. but a minor fraction of the thermal units in this area, All these thermal units are technically hot sprinks; a but they are the only ones for which comparable pre- geyser is :1 special type of hot spring that erupts earthquake data are available. The general state of periodically. some other springs, as they were observed immediately Changes in many of the geysers and hot springs in following the earthquake, is also tabulated. the Firehole River drainage are summarized in tables During tlie past 20 seasons as a naturalist in Yellow- 22-24. Temperature and discharge increased in most stone National Park, the author has had the oppor- hot springs, but declined in a few. The marked rise tunity to become acquainted in considerable detail in the temperature of springs, pools, and geysers, as with the thermal springs in the Firehole geyser basins. determined 3 to 4 wee]cs after the eart]iquake, indicates The data gained during this period are here comp:.red a great and sustained increase in discharge of thermal with the information secured during a 3-month period energy. The average temperature of 73 geysers after EFFECTS OF EARTHQUAKE ON FIREHOLE GEYSER BASINS, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 187
i TABLE 22.-State of activity of hot springs and gep•rs. of the Firehote drainage area immediately after the Hebgen Lake earthquake of ' · i.t '' Aug. 17,1959
i Number j . Number Trith no •rore Group that previous Murky Clear Ebbed Flowing Normal active erupted record of emption ; Lopver Geyscr Basin
Fairy Meadows 11 9 31 16 45 7. 0 16 14-A 5 3 11 0 3 5 1 9 Quagmire--__-_-__.. 3 2 26 3 2S 0 3 5 Kaleidoscope...... 29 22 72 16 18 . 12 0 31 Pithole Springs._.._ 5 1 17 0 5 .10 1 7
1 Fountain...... 17 2 14 1 3 2 12 0 19 1 Firehole Lake...... 12 10 28 2 17 1 0 3 ' Pink Cone 8 2 5 1 2 4 0 1 11 # Great Fountain_..... ·21 10 26 1 2 32 6 0 22
; Totals...... - -t 111 61 230 74 154 53 6 123
Midway Geyser Basin
1 Excelsior...... 0 0 5 03 2 0 0 1 Flnnrl 13 1 25 3 11 1 61 16 1 Rabbit Crook 9 2 107 4 35 4 14 7
Totals. . 15 3 137 7 49 22 15 23 3 Upper Geyser Basin
* 4 Sapphirc...... ,/:24 17 1S 7 14 12 0 22 1 Cascade_-_--.--___ 35 23 34 5 5 19 3 28 1 Morning Glory 3 3 12 7 3 17 3 1 ' Grotto_.--__--_-__ 8 0 9 8 5 5 4 4 f Ginnt 2 0 3 10 13 4 6 Round Springs..... 3 1 79 2 1 3 2 2 Daisy 6 1 1 17 6 3 1 10 Black Sand Basin.. 10 2 4 16 2 11 1 7 i Grand_...... 13 3 7 41 12 7 11 9
CS st.le 13 2 5 13 2 4 2 13 Geyscr T-Till 28 20 3 47 15 1S 0 26 Myrinci 27 24 125 5 93 13 4 54
Totnlg 172 96 228 178 ,160 113 · 36 ISS
Grand totals._ 298 160 595 259 363 1SS 57 334
the earthquake was 195.1 ° F, or 2.3°F higher than in named springs; no comparable data are available for • the summers of 1958 and 1959. The average tempera- the hundreds of unnamed springs. Table 22 lists the 1 ture of 89 hot springs and poo]s after the earthquake impressive number of quiescent springs that erupted i • was i85.6 ° F, or 8.7 °F higher tl; al i in 1958-59. Ac- immediately after the earthquake. Owing to a lack i tivity strongly increased among the nearly 300 springs of earlier data, few of these are included in the other that erupted during or sliortly after the .earthquake; tables. In many groups of springs, particularly the of these, 160 had no previous record of eruption. Sapplkire, Fountain, Pithole Springs, Kaleidoscope, ! Owing to the difficulty of dete-rmining the discharge and Sprinkler groups, fractures in the sinter have I of many springs and geysers, tlie effects of the earth- permitted the development of a steadily increasing quake on discharge are less easily determined than number of fumaroles. If it were possible, therefore, tlie effects on temperature. It is evident, however, to tabulate the total increase in discharge of thermal i tliat the overall discharge after the earthquake was energy, it would be more than the totals shown on I much greater. tables 23 and 24 for the named springs. Some geysers, Tlie tables sliow that the eartliquake caused a such as Trail, Cascade, and Economic, erupted only marked increase in discharge of thermal energy in the periodically for a score of days after August 17; but TABLE 23.-Summary of characteristics of geysers afectcd by JIcbgen Lake earthquake ,-1 [U, undetermined; NM, not readily measurable; PF, periodic flow] CO CO Observations prior to Aug. 17, 1939 · Obse,rvations after Aug. 17,1959 Name Normal Temperature (° F) Emption Discharge height of Normal Tempern- frequency 1959 (gpm) Eruption Discharge eruption Characteristics Da height of ture (° F) (ft) Septem- Summers te frequency (gpIl]) eruption Septc• Characteristics ber 1951 1938-59 (ft) ber 199
UPPER GEYSER BASIN Daisy Group: +3 Daisy.__--.-_..-_. 128 min..- 11,250 75-80 196 196 Plays at angle; has pre- Aug.-Dec... W liminary overflow. 58 min.._ : 1,250 75-80 200 Earthquake doubled frequency M Comet..._...... ' O of activity; no preliminary . 4 Inin--.-... 4-5 200 200 Water of eruption falls .- overflow. -dO --- -_ Constant..__-_ 0 4-5 202 Splendid...... 1 4,160 into crater. Water level ebbed 12 in. gl - Infrequent.._ 125 200 200 Series oferuptions when ._ ..d..._-_- tj O - Onceruption.. 14,160 125 202 Played following quake, in- •} Daisy's Tbicf_ _...... do..._.... 180 in Active phase. 20 190 199 When active, eruption -_ ..d....._. creased boiling since. precedes and Stops 0 - None.-_._..... 0 0 200 12-in. ebb in water level. Z Daisy. Morning Glory r Group: ... > Fan------_ _-...do..._..... 8 100-125 199 199 Several vents in cracked - ._do.._...... do....____. >1 sinter. 10: 0 202 Increased boiling and tempera- .5'1 Mortar--- -...__.do...... U 30-40 199 199 turc. Plays in concert with - 6•.... -1 __.._do_.._..... 0 0 Sentinel.._-... . Dormant____ Fan. 200 Water in crater level higher; K Grotto Group: 25 0 200 200 Constant boiling.-._--_ - hotter. do-_..___- --11.do...... •._ 25 0 202 Erupted after quake. P Riverside--... -_ 7 hrs 32 min.... U 75-80 200 200 P]ays at angle, prelim- _.-..do___....-- 6 hrs 28 min.__ Link__-_.. inary overflow. U 75-80 200 5- to 6-hr intermls first few - Dormant.-_-- 0 0 202 157 Had ebbcd below over- - --do...... None.-. _.___. days following earthquake. flow. 35 0 163 Aturky; increased temperature Culvert-_. . Steady.--_-.- 0 2 198 200 Steady boiling from road _- ..do....._. . Steady.___.-- and discharge. .1. shoulder. 0 3 202 Increased temperature and tij Grotto and 81]rs.-_-_... 1 470 10-50 200 Rocket (furic- 200 Active about half of the .._do.-_.-_._. 4-10 hrs-_.-_.. 1470 vigor of boiliilg. > tion as single time; longest cruption 10-50 201 Active at times for more than W unit). 12 hrs. 30 hrs. •3 Grotto Fountain-. 8-24 hrs... 1430 50 200 200 Precedcs Grotto's crup- ._..do -- Occasional___ 1430 Rejuvenated, 8 to 21 hrs, in • Spo...... tions. 50 198 -- 8 hrs.--.-- 145 1-ft surge 182 183 Action follows Grotto--_ October. Giant Group: .-do ._. . 4-10 lirs-..--. 145 1 183 Giant._-_-__ . Doi·mant Alurky following earthquake. >1 0 0 203 202 Periodic cycles--__.._-.. ...-_do .__. cycle. None----_--_ 0 0· 203 Alore sloshing in crater since tj Catflsh.... Dormant... 0 0 eartliquake. • 200 198 Active and dormant .._do ___.. Dormaiit..... Mastift-__ cycles. 0 0 202 More vigorous boiling. ------do._--- 0 0 201 203 Active when Giant is .-...do ..... hot. ...do_...... 0 0 . 205 Increased boiling. > Turtle_.-- -. --_..do..._.. 0 0 199 200 Active during active - -do ...._-. __-..do_-..__.. U d Oblong...__-_-_- cycle of Giant. 0 200 •t•••uallorflow following • 6-8 hri. -. U 20 197 198 Black Sand Basin: Voluminous discharge__ .. do _.... . 3-Shrs---_-_- NM 20 200 Whistic..-__.._._- Dormant_- .04 Murky; more frequent activity. i3 0 199 1·13 When active has long .- . Dormant..--. and violent steam --do _--- .05 0 144 Murky flrst week after earth- Cliff..._.- . Infrequent.-- phase. quake. NM 25-30 198 197 Three eruptioils in 1959. _- -1 Spouter.-_ . Near constant 80 3-4 197 ..do....._ - Active daily.- NM 25-30 200 - 198 Erupts most oftlie time. ._ - Nearly con- Erupts3- to 10-hrperiods daily. Castle Group: ---do-_-_ 80 3-4 200 Increase in temperature; mur- g stant. ky Aug. 18. Castle-_----.-. 14-17 hrs.-_ U 75-100 200 C. 200 Steam phase eruptions_- --_._do _._•. 0 Sprinkler.-__-.-__. -- 4-9 lirs- -- U 75-100 201 Eruptions al ·,ut tv, ice as SO-100 hrs.- .do.... 191 191 Splashing cruptio•ls__-_. frequent. Deleted Teakettle. ]humnt.-. 0 j ..do ....__.. 56-60 lirs-- U 3 198 200 200 Rarely erupts.-__-_----- .-_._do...._-_ Dbrinant.__. Increased frequ,·k :. Churn-- 6.5 25 199 Erupted followia.: earthquake; ....--_do-... 0 0 151 155 do....._____ nowing. ..---__.do.....-_- Occasional_-. t 3 Boiling 161 Sawinill.._ .. 2-3 hrs..- 1 190 Did not rejurellate until 20-40 167 169 I'lays at about time of .- ...do eruption Noremlier. overflow. 1-3 hrs-._.--_ 1190 20-40 191 Emlited almost continuously Tardy-_-.--- first 4 da>·s following earth- ...... do....._ 125 6-10 191 191 qll:ike. Connected with Saw- .._do ..._- .(10.-.. 125 Spasmodic. .. . U.._ mill. 6-10 1% Increased activity following 145 1-2 199 199 Boiling-type activity._.- earthq113ke. --.-do.'...- . 2-4 hrs.-- 145 6-10 203 Boiling more vigorous. .
Grawl Group: 01(17'ardy.... - Infrequent... 135 6 201 200 Jet-type eruption...- d0 . 1 or more. 135 6 202 Increased activity since earth times daily. quake. Bulger-.- -Daily--_._..•. 130 6-8 193 199 ..._.(10------.._.....•.._ ..d..._....0 ...... do--_.... 130 6-8 202 Alore frequent activity. Triplet.._ . S-12 times 125 2-3 181 185 l•oiling-type eruption.._ .....d...... - daily. 0 . 1)ormaint._ .. 6 I'F 0 182 Dormant since earthquake. Grand____ .. 3 times daily_. 60 (quiet 150-180 169 176 Rocket-type eruption.. . _....do...... phase) ...--do.__... 70 0 165 One eruption following quake, . 15-25 min._. increased flow. M Turbon- -...... _do.--.. 3-6 196 197 Boiling-type eruption- ....do...... -.do..-... 25 1 187 Partial rejuvenation since Sep- 61 tember. Economic...--.... Dorinant-__ 0 0-- 141 154 Jet-type eruption_...... Aug.-Selit. 15. Geyser Hill Group: 5-20 min.._ 7.5 6-10 200 Dorrnant since Sept. 15. Infant...-.-_..__.. Only with 41 199 193 Boiling-type eruption. _ Giantess. - Aug. 17_...... Pluyed for 100 3 2 - 201 Has played occasionally since & Giantess--- . Infrequent--_ U 20-50 hrs. Aug. 17; usual level -3 in. CD 200 193 Rocket-type eruption.. . Aug.-Dec....- 1 eruption_--.. U 20-150 200 Triggered tiyearthquake, cruP- 0 tion lasting 3 times Itormal hj duration, increased boiling; , yantt... 5-7 days.__ 1.3 (quiet 8-10 198 184 Dome-type eruption__- inactive in January 1960. M phase) - Oct.-Dec.... .- Most days 1.3 In quiet 8-10 197 Inactive Aug. and Sept.; • several phaso marked rejurenation since w eruptions. September. COIle...0-- Dormant__ 0 0 193 191 Nov.-Dee... No previous record of activity. • Aurum.--- 0 0 201 - Several daily.- U 25-30 191 - Cyclic--..._ 201 id-sin daimanipepiod-- Aug.-Dec... U_.____....._. 35 12-15 201 Rejuvenated to active geyser D by earthquake. Sponge... .- 45 sec-1 min__ I 3 5 202 202 Boiling-type eruption... fAug.-Sopt' ..-.- Dormant:--... 0 0 200 Water ebbed 6 ft; no activity. • 'Oct.-Dec...... - 45 sec-1 11-,In__ 3 2/3 203 Increased boiling. Model__ .- Dormant.--... U 3-5 192 192 Jet-type eruption---.--- Aug:Dec.-1.. U_...__---.... -U 3-5 194 Occasionally active since • quake. Lion...._ . 4 thnes ...do...... 50-60 201 200 .....do.-_-_-_....._.... Aug.-Nov... weekly. Very infre- U 50-60 200 Fewer emptions following 0 quant. earthquake, partial rejuvena- z Big Cub..._- . Dorniant.... 0 40 tion in December. -- --.d.-.-... 200 200 ..---do.....--.--.---.- - Aug.-Dec... Dorinant...... 0 0 203 Water level, t# in.; increased bj Lioness-....- -do-_.__. boiling. ./ .....do...._-_ 20-30 200 200 Dome-type cruptio'il------_--do_...... do...... 0 0 201 Water level, +6 in.; increased •. bolling. Little Cub... . 1-4 hrs--.-- 1 2 to 3; oe- 200 200 Jet-type cruption.._..---.-.-.do.---... casionally - 10 min to 4 hrs. 1.5 . 3-10 200 More 10-ft eruptions than pre- M 10 cedin[: earthquake, • Depression._. 1 02 -. 2-3 hrs-.. 3 1S2 186 Spljsh-type cruption.._. do . 1-2 hrs--_-- 162 3 188 Increased frequency ofactivity. M f·Gg.-sept_. Dormant- _ 0.... Beehive...._- . l to 2 times NM 150-180 203 203 Powerful cone-type 0 203 One eruption folowing Inrth- weekly. oruption. quake. 0 loct.,pec...--. 3 to 4'dkup- NAT ' . 150-180 -_..... - Rejuvenation and marked.in- M 'tions CN;z,(lib•:tittyr.froin Oc- • Cascade.- weekly. - Dormant--._ 0 0 186 18G No known activity in Aug.-Sept.... 20-60 min._-_ . 400 (approx- 20-30 200 Marked rejurenation by earth- •j more than 40 years. imate) quake; dormant since Selit. Plume--- 11 6040 min-.. 1 50 20-25 195 197 Cyclic, active since 1912_ 'Aug.-1)ee.-..· 42-46min.-- '150 20-25 201 New spring flowing into crater td slows actkity; when checked, > interval shows increase E . ' North Anemone- Ever; 9 to 11 120 3 197 198 Erupting water draiticd noted. 1 Illill. do-_--- Infrequent... 125 3 198 i Alost of energy shifted to ui ilito north vent. South Anemolic rent. South Anemone.- .-..-do_._ _..-- 11.5 1.5 197 197 Chain actioti, cruption - ...do-r--- Alinost con- t 2 followed North Anc- 2 197 Chain action in Ancmone R WOIle. 'stant, group has not becti charac- 91 Aug--.. . 62.1 for·175 12,750 130 200 1 teristic since quake. N intervals. , Old Faithful... 61.8 niin... - 12,750 130 , 200 200 Average 61.8 miii (based Sept--- . 05.0 for 239 There has been n somewhat o on clieck of 1,158 Crlip- inten als. tion interints between Oct...- 66.8 for 47 i•St'incs• ial:I::gth•'r 5. May l and Aug. 18, ... 1 observations for length of H 1959). intervals. interval were made in No- O Dec-.-. . 67.4 for 255 rember. · 7 Cascade Group: intervals. trj Hillside..--_---- . 1-2 brs.._ 1200 2-3 200 '200 Was in minor cruption Aug.-Sept... cycle. .. 20 min-I lir... 11,300 20-30 202 Earthquake initiated major X Cauliflower -- 0 50 mill... 163 ·1 192 ' 190 Quite regular...... eruption cycle. ::036 Aug.-Dee.- -- 59-dO min.--.- 163 1 192 Emi,tion a rolling boil; murky 43 Sapplitre Group: after earthquake. 8 Black 1,earl..._- . Dormant--- 0 0 · 199 199 Cyclic.._------....d .... -1 Shell-_--_...... Irregular... 14.5 1 193 Boililiz-type eruption... 0 -- . Steady..--- 3 200 Ebbed 12 in.; steady boiling. Z 198 .....d0 . 2-60 min...6- i i A 1 202 1•fat, ti:t&;.water flows bock D MII)WAY GEYSER BASIN 'd > Excelsior Group: /6 Excelsior.___...... DMMML...._ 3,600 199 0 199 Large steady discharge-_ ..-_do None...1-• ·.-. 3,600 ·0 199 Muddy first few dnys after 21 earthiltiake. See fc,otilote at Mid of table.
•»A -
»1 CD 0
TABLE 23.-Swnmary of characteristics of gcuscrs afected by Hebgcn Lake earthquake-Continued [U, undetermined; NM, not readily measurable; PF, periodic flow]
Observations prior to Aug. 17, 1959 Observations after Aug. 17, 1959- Name Normal Temperature (° F) Eruption Discharge height of Normal Tempera- Eruptiort Discharge height of ture (° F) •.3 frequency 1959 (gpm) eruption Characteristics Date frequency (ft) Septem- Summers (gpm) eruption Septem- Characteristics W ber 1951 1958-59 (ft) ber 1959 M M LOWER GEYSER t:j BASIN tj C) Great Fountain t=j Group: Great Fountain_-- 12 hrs U Z 100 ·202 202 Eruption readily pre- Aug.-Dec...... 3-9 hrs. --.-_-- U dietable. .4.- 100 203 Change iIi precruption symp- r< 'White Domc.-- .- 15-90 min.._-_ U 20-25 199 199 Shift in patternoflength FAug. 17-21.... Dormant...... toms; more frequent activity. > ofinterval. 0 · 0 199 1 Dormant first 3 days after M •A•g,21•)ec-- 15-60 min.-_.. . U •. ' . 20-25 -.- F quake; then resumed normal t:j Pink Cone Group: i function. Pink Cone-•..... - 2-3 times 135 12-15 200 200 Jet-type cruption__...... Aug.-Dee..... 14 hrs...... _ weekly. 135 12-15 201 Tremendous increase In ac- M Bead_--._-.--- - 32-33 min._--- 145 15 182 tivity. 0 183 Very regular-__..____... fAug.-Sept.---- 55-60 min._... 145 15 177 Narcissus..._.._ 10(t.-Dec...-.. 15-16 min.-_._ 145 1Longer interval; sliortencd to 5 4-Shrs.._----- 180 12 171 171 Easy to predict_._._.... Aug.-Dec-._._ 5-6 hrs.._- --_ 15 ---ios-- . f 15 or 16 min after September. Firehole Lake Dormant---._. 0 0 200 180 12 Slight.ly longer interval. Group: Artesia. 200 Cyclic.._.------.--_--._ Aug.-Oct___-_ Steady-_--.-._ 50 3 201 Rejurenated by earthquake; b. ceased in October, but > Fountain Group: steady flow continued. M Jolly------.- Irregular-----. 181 2-10 193 192 Different types of crup- Aug.-Dec_---. Nearlysteady 181 10-15 193 tions. first few Increased frequency and vigor •j days. of activity. 4 Aug.-Sept--... 30 min-1 br... U 20-30 200 1 Eruptions accompanied by • Spasm.._ -- 30 min to 2 hrs. U 20-30 190 190 Two types of activity__- pronounced stearn phase D > never observed before. Cl Sept. 10-Dec.- Dormant...-.. 0 0 0 Bellefontaitic.__ 1 C••t•emptied and stayed • . Dorniant .... 0 0 198 198 Splash-type eruption--.. 1Aug.-Dec_-_-. 30 min-1 hr... Fountain..-_--- -- 2 eruptions U 157 159 Fountain typcerription; fAug. 18 25 5-6 200 Rejuvenated by earthquake. N in 1959. All day U 20-50 159 1 Played in concert with Mom- duration 45 illill. Aug. 19-Dee._ Dor,r:,·,it..--._ 0 0 - • ing and Clepsydra; no such • Morning._-_ 1-2 cruptions 170 50-150 189 i previous record. weekly. 188 Powerfill fountain-type Aug. 18-31__-- Almost Con- 170 50-150 193 eruption. stant. Activity started by quake; > Clepsydra-_.. dormant since Sept. 1, with d .. 1-2 wild-pliasc 1150 198 196 Activity initiated by Aug.-Dec.--.. Constant--__.- steady overflow. O eruptions Morning. 200 20-30 201 Wild phase initiated by earth- a weekly. quake; has not ceased play- cn Sub--- . Dormallt--. 0 0 l Si 188 Nearly empty crater ing (January 1960). E do Steady 12 0 196 Has not ceased playing (Jan- Jet---- . 4-5 min when 125 .10-15 198 199 Jet-type eruption....__...... do ...... 5-12 min._____ U:try 1960). ... in actijc 125 10-15 199 Action less frequent since -4 period. Morning and Fountain Hotel Group: Tliud_ Dorinant..._.. 0 0 180 180 Cyclic, infrequent Aug. 18 _.. None...... _- ceased playing. ./ 0 12-15 183 Erupted following quake; d.· - 0 mant since; nli.:ty. C.It Total of m:ix- 14.400 /0 iI,111,11 rates 16,000 observed. Average tem- - 193.8 192.8 peratures. 195.1
1 In eruption. TABLE 24.-Summary of characteristics of springs and pools aiLEcted by lIebgen Lake earthquake C, [U, undeternitned; NF, no flow since quake; I, infrequent; PU, periodic, undetermined: NM, not readily measurable]
Observations prior to August 17, 1959 65I. Observations after August 17,1939 0 N,me Temperature (° F) M Eruption Discharge, Normal Norinal Tempr- %1 0 frequency Eruption Discharge lieight of ature 1 1959 (gpm) height oL Characteristics Date frequency (gpm) eruption (° F) Characteristics 01 eruption (ft) Septem- Summers (ft) Septem- 0 C. ber 1951 1955-59 ,3 ber 1959 cn UPPER GEYSER 0 BASIN &1 Morning Glory • Group: Morning Glory 25 .. :6 Pool. 169 163 Steady overflow... .. Aug.-Dec_.. 0 .. 169 l,Iurky flrst few days, water 2 & Spiteful Spring.-_. 1.3 .- to 6 in. below rim of crater. m Grotto Group: 198 199 d. 1.5 .. 200 Bottomless Pit.-.- _ Elgersst•et• ••••a'in Lake; • 140 195 Discharges into Chain ..do--_-- U 193 Lake; sudden' tempera- murky; increase in tempera- M ture increase in July. ture. Square Spring.-... . 0 201 199 Active geyser in 1950._--- No. 7 Orotto 5 .._do.... 0 200 Murt:y first few days. Group. 177 175 Steady overflow..-.-...... - ..do.... 16 . 184 Increase in temperature and o Giant Group: overflow. 21 South Purple 15 Pool. 140 145 Algal-lined pool_- --..do.... 0 62 Murky first few days, sh:•rp in- bj East Purple crease in temperature. 5 196 190 Ebbs3 ft following Giant's .do.... NF .. 196 Pool. eruptions. Murky first few days. E North Purple 0 pool. 196 197 .....do_...... -.....__.-... ..do.... 0 .. 197 Do. •] Chromatic Spring. .- 0 171 164 Exchange of now with ...do... 61 One-inch ebb following quake. • Beauty Pool. Beauty Pool_..... - 30 161 164 Exchange of flow witli 2.-dv. --- 58 -p 69 Increase in flow and tempera- Chromatic. ture. 0 InkwelI Spring--.- .- 20 200 200 Steady boiling ...... _... ..do--_ 22 .. 201 Inactr•••• in boiling and temper- • Daisy Group: Bonita Pool-__.... _. Crl I .. 140 101 Ebbs witli eruptions of _- --do---- 0 105 No overflow since quake; usual • Brilliant Pool..- Daisy and Splendid. level -3 in. . Erupts PU 3-20 191 194 Ebbsl ft following Daisy's _do.... 0 203 following activity. Ebbed 1 to 3 ft; boiling most of W Splendid. the time. Punch Bowl Spring_ . 3.3 _. 201 201 Steady boiling_ _ . .--do-.._ 3.8 .. 202 Increased temperature and • Black Sand 1lasin boiling. Black Sand Pool-- -- Y, 95 197 197 Clear, deep blue__.---__... _- ..•d0_... - 4-6 min... 117 1, surge 200 Geyser activity, plus 111
Name Temperature (° F) Normal Tempir- Eruption Discharge, Nornial Eruption Discharge heiglit of 8' Ulat frequency 1959 (gpm) height of Characteristics Date frequency (gpm) eruption (0 n Characteristics eruption (ft) Septem- Summers (ft) Sept(·Il,- ber 1951 1958-59 ber 19;9•
UPPER GEYSER BASIN-Con. Rounct Spring Group: Round Spring.._- 0 178 137 No flow in 1959 preceding Aug.-Dec.... 0 144 Increase fn temperature pills m - quake. 4-in. rise iii water level from mid-1959 levek North Round 0 151 150 Infrequent overflow.-. do 165 Samests, Round Spring. • Spring. 0 Pear Spring_.- _. 0 166 166 Algal-lined spring.___...-_ Aug.-Dec... 0 19: Erupted following quake. West Routid 0 142 142 Lined with brown algae-__ E.rup:cd violently following • Spring. ..do.-..-__ 0 160 Castle Group: quake. Z Castle Group No. 0 199 190 Steady boiling, no over- .. ..do .&.0 -- 200 Murky first few days: steady • 26. flow. boiling. 4 Crested 1'001.----- Rare 15 3 200 200 Normally steadily flowing 2.--do...... -- .. ' •. 0 , . 155 Water level -12 in.; large drop • spring. -.- in temperature. Chininey 1 Steam ient steady with der-rl- • 0 200 200 Steady steain vent.....•-_ Aug.-Dec.1-- ..{ 0 L 200 P opment of new spring on side V Funiarole. 10 .- 200 I ofehininey. H Soutli Scalloped 0 ._ 198 198 3-in. el)b below rim-_-..-.. .._do__...._ Spring. -- 5 202 Ii••ar.•- temperature and • Scalloped Spring-_ _ 0 -. 200 198 31-in. ebb in ci·ater=.------do.....#. -- 0 -- 201 24 in- ebb, and increase in J Frog Spring...._-_ . temperature. > 0 -- 61 61 Frogs ill sl,ring...... _... ..do...... _ -- 2.3 U 196 Erup:ed following quake; has Z I,iberty Pool...... renzined hot witli overflow. •.4 Seep. .- 132 133 1'001 - lined with brown ....do...._•. -- .9 -- 163 One known eruption following nlgae. quake; big increa:e in tem- M 0#·al Spring.._. pers:ore. 0 199 199 1-ft ebb iii water level.... -----do 0 201 Eruii:·r:d following quake. • Belgian 1'001.-- 0 161 163 ...do...... ___.___...... - .._do 0 161 Terra Cotta Cycifc.... 2 0 196 196 •turky036ebb 18 in. Sprilig. Dormant before quake.-_. --.do U 15 6-S 197 Actit-ecycle initipt042'dby quake M Grand Group: Wave Sprillg.-- 5 -_.*._ 131 131 Steady overflow------....do._._.___. 12.6 163 Eruived following earthquake; • Calida SI,ring..._- houer with izierefed flow. 21 0 ---_.- 183 183 l-in. ebb below 1·tin__...... •..do....__._.. 1 -- 192 Mur* plui overflow, increase t=j Witches Cauldron. in lemI)erature. 80 200 200 Steady boiling overflow.-. ._..do._.._.*__ 80 ._ 200 Muty water. only observed 0 Milk Cauldi·on...- effecto Y 0 -....- 190 191 28-in. ebb in crater-____-- *._-do.....-___ 0 .. 200 Increa:e in temperature and Geyser IIill Group: boiling plus 20 in. ebb. 8 Teakettle Spring. 0 ___.-_ -.-_. 199 199 1-ft elib; crater eniptics _. -do.-._.... 0 ._._...._ 203 Inerea=e in temperature and • when Giantess plays. Jiock 1'001_-.---- Secp 198 198 ebb 30 in. Dragon St)riI:g-__ Constant level, clear water_ ..---do------0 198 4 in. ab plus murky water. pi 5 19S 193 Steadily flowing st,ring.... _--- do...... *._ 0 200 Erupted following quake; water theit stayed at 35 in. A West Doublet ebl#. -I ----- 2040 -.-.-- 178 180 Increa:ed flow with East _do....-___. 20-40 193 Pool. 1)0111,let surge. Mwky fc.lowing q::ak:, in- EFt Doublet U ...... crenie in ti'int,erature. ./ Pool. 193 193 Surge about every 5 min; . -.do._.•...._ U 196 lrurkF following qil:ike; in- © flowed into West Doub- creairin temperature, flowed 01 Beach Sin·iiig_-- 1,5 let. irito Wi·st I),iublet. 0 - U..___._... 1-3 178 185 Cyclic i,1 activity_-_.- ..- .---.dO.- -_-- - Several·daily.- •.5 1-3 201 Increne in terirt,criture and 1'.ar Stir·irig_- -.. fre[inency. 30 :. 200 200 Sill,crlieated_---_-__----_ ...do.....--_ I:nrc_..._--__. 1 125 202 ]Crut,it# follow:·.·. Iliiake; iti- West Goggle Int ermittent.. 4 Crt'0 -tintCIUl'e:.itti-e. Spring. Quiet over- 196 196 Periodic overflow--_-__--_---(10_---_ 0 ,-ei flow 4-5 Sul·ge 200 Ilict e:144 telriperature atid flow. e,·ery 20 to overn,95. lIem·t Spring._. 30 min. 5 200 199 Steady flow.__.--_...... do_=... 0 200 lIzirky, ebb 1 iii. below over- floir. Arrowliend •Aug.-Selit.-- 30 niin.-1 hr... 151 3 200 11:emae eruptive following Sprillg. 0 -*.-i 177 175 Water ·1 it:. 1,elow rim._. gmt:e. Old Faitliful Grouti: 1Oct.-1)ec..-_ 1.5 Overtllow but tiot e.·ul,tive. Ch Illaillilll St)1·111:- - .5 ---*.... 200 200 Constant lioiling-- East Chiliaman .3 -...-... - Aiig.-Dec.-_ .5 20-30 201 Erul,led followillr qtl:ike. SI)rillg. 196 196 ..do...... __.----- ...... (10...... 3 ...... -- 19S 71urk} ; illerea (-S *-1-4 44-1·:p 85 188 189 Mue, constant level__._-._ __.-do 88 19: NIurky; increase in tempera- C,Jrn i'-4 --... ture. Fi'fite I042g•jt..... 0 167 161 Water 2 in. below rim--- .------do .8 181 •Itirky; . discharge; increased temt,crature. fAug.-Nov._... 2-known- - 195 ZE.rupted followinz quake; be- Call1105 SI,ring..-- -- 0 181 181 Water 6 in. below rim..__- •Dec------100 U f caTTle hotter in Dec. eruptions. M Pulcher Spring--.. .- 0 199 199 Water level 3 ft below /Aug.-Oct..•...... 150 201 Murky, overflowing:. 'El rim. INov.-Dec._._- ...... 0 -isi--- . Water Gin. below rim. Mirror Pool..._... .. 22 183 183 Constant overflow.• --___ Nor.-Dec. ------24 Murky following qunke. 51 Sapphire Group: 0 Black Opal Spring. -- 175 172 172 Erupts on rare occasions-_ Aug.-Dec.._._. 175 (approx 173 .Hasstayed murkysince quake. /3 imote) CA (Aug. 17-Sept. 125 6-8 2Gi Constant surgirig. 75 (ap- 1 4 0 Sapphire PooL.- 202 Deep blue color: true gey- 4 . 15 min-__ prOIi- 3-6 202 ser, superheated. 1Sept. 5-13.-... 2 hrs.__-....._ 12,250 100-150 201 Major geyser activity. mate). ISept. 13-28-._. 125 6-8 201 Constant surging. 11,000-3, OYJO 204 tl West Mustard lSept. 29-Dec-. 55-aw-6-h-fs--. 60-150 Major geyser activity. 0 I64 163 Pool lined with yo]lopr Aug.-Dec-____ -- U 3 200 Constnnt spouter following Spring. algae. quake; loss by splashing. ,3 East Mustard 0 -- 136 157 _do__--____-__-___..___- .do....._._... 200 Spring. U 3 I)0. W* Avoca Spring-.-_ 3 198 198 Constant boiling_._ ...do....__._.. 0 202 Water -4 ft.; steam rent activ- • ity. MIDWAY GEYSER t:. BASIN N Midway Geyser Basin Group: 0 Indtgo Spring_--_. ._ 90 199 199 Steady flowing--_ do 0 201 Murky; ebb 18 in. below over- Z •ow. Grand Prismatic U .....do...... _.- do U Ebbed 8 ft. first few hrs. follow- Spring. ing quake; crater slightly tilted to NE. 3 Opal Spring....-.. 0 162 162 Infrequent cruptions_----_ do 180 Turquoisc Pool..._ 0 Murky, hotter. m 0 5·1 Filled by overflow from do 0 132 8 ft. ebb; increase in tempera- 0 Prismatic. ture; murky. t* LOWER GEYSER tj BASIN -h5.. 0 Great Fountain t M Group: R Lemon Spring---- 2.2 147 143 Algal-liiied pool--_ 2510_ 1.2 137 Murky following quake. W Broken Egg - 1 151 152 Constant level.... do_._. 187 Murky, 15 in. ebb, remled in Spring. December. 53 Firehole rool_ _-- 40 106 196 Constant boiling._..._ do 40 196 Murky following quake. Surprise Pool_ _ _.. 25 .._- 200 200 Superheated spring-_- fAllg.-Sept..-- 25 202 Murky; liotter. bj --204.-Dec.--- U...... 40 Pink Cone Group: 1 Periodically active. rd Shelf Spring.--_-.- -- 85 ...... __--__ 199 199 Superheated__ /Aug...... 4 hrs_. _ 350 10-12 202 Activated by quake. . Fit-ellole Lake 1Sept.-Dec-_--______- 85 201 No further emptions. ji Group: •1•k W•arirrior- --• .. 800 .- __. 166 166 Steady flowing spring_.- Aug.-Dec._. 80 167 Very turbid following quake 4. U 195 195 do.-.--__._.»_.•..__ 1.__do._._._. 0 177 Erupled following . quake; Spring. ebbed 12 in. . m East end Firehole 0 .._-_- 165 165 Flame-like ascent of gas do....__•_. 0 174 Water murky and liotler. Lake. bubbles. Eastside Firchole .- 0 150 151 .__-do_ _.--__-___.._._.-__ Lake. •_-_do----_-- 0 148 Water inurky and cooler. -• Fountaiii Group: •Aug.-Sept. 15. Constant..__-_ 0 3-4 200 Water muddy, steady spout- • StIex Spritig_-__-__ -- 13 ...._ _-_-- 190 190 Occasional overflow______ing; ebbed 3 ft. [Sopt. 15-Dec._ 13 0 196 Craterrefilled, steady overnow. til 1Aug. 17-28....None__.---__- 0 0 200 Water cbbed 50 inclies; muddy. 7 Celestine Spring. - 66 .._--_ 196 196 Steady overflow; clear blue ». 0 CO TABLE 24.-Summary of characteristics of springs and pools afectcd by Ikbgen Lakc earthquake-Cotitinued :62 Observat ions prior to August 17, 1959 Observations after Augiist 17, 1959 Name Temperature (° F) Normal TeniI'er- Eruption Discharge, Normal Eruptiori Discharge height of ature frequency 1959 (gpm) height of Characteristics Date frequency (gpm) eruption (° F) Characteristics eruption (ft) Septem- Summers (ft) Septem- ber 1951 1958-59 ber 1959 UPPER GEYSER BASIN-Con. Hotel Group: Thud Spring _ 8.5...____.... 179 179 (Fungoid). Steady flowixig Spring-_-.- Aug.-Dec__. 8.5 .._--__.-. 189 Aqu/•tril erupted night of Il Stirrup Spring_... - 6 ------*.--- 191 190 do .-do_._____•. -- 0 ------. 191 Do. t31 Oourd Spring.--.- _ 0 --- -_ -_... 158 157 -Xl[Fae-lined p•1...... _do_...... 12 -___.--- 166 bfurky, erupted night ofqu:Ike; steady discharge thereafter. Jug Spring._I.-_._- Slight ._-._ __-- 163 163 Seep overnow__...... __ .__do._...___. Clif[ Sp[irig.--_-_- . Seep .------161 Murky after quake. M 1.3 ....._•.__. 197 197 Steady flow ....._-_ ._-do.__..__.. _ 1.3 --.____. 196 M*r:al erupted night of g Oak Leaf Spring_. - Seep 196 196 Quiescent spring --__._ do...__... 0 -_-... 196 M(%:a; e•r•pdt8din. night of E• Kidney Spring--.. 25 min_-- 112 3-4 195 198 Periodically eruptive__ ---do .._... 25 min... 112 3-1 199 Murky following quake. Total mati- 1,250 1,970 F mum dis- - M chnrge. tl Average 176.7 176.9 1 185.57 tempera-. ...=3.- ture. .. •W . I In cruption. M W D G 8 0 '=j >- Cl 0 Cl U'4 ./ ./ - ©= C. CD L EFFECTS OF EARTHQUAKE ON FIREHOLE GEYSER BASINS, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 195 I..4:. . .'. TABLE 25.-Summary of characteristics of apl:ings,; pools, and gel/sers not afected by Hebgcn Lake earthquake [Observations before and after Aug. 17, 1959. All springs, pools, and geysers not affected by the earthquake are in the Upper Geyser Basin] Nome Eruption frequency Discharge (GPm) Normal Temperature Characteristics height (ft) (° F) Castle Group: Tortoise Shell Spring...-...- 37' 0 202 Steady violent boiling. Grand Group: Lime Kiln Spring...-.- 8.8 0 200 Steady boiling. Geyser Hill Group: Pump Geywr Steady--- 9 2 199 Constant spouting. Pendant Spring...... _ . 3.5 0 201 Steady boiling; overflow. East Scissors Spring... --_. 1 0 200 Do. Old Faithful Group: Cone Fumarole...... 0 0 200 Gas evolution. Cascade Group: Artemisia Geyser 24 hrs...... 1 1,850 25-30 180 Clear blue spring. Atomizer Geyser...... 1-3 hrs._--_ 1 10 • 25-35 198 Two eruption types. Iron Spring 0 0 193 Muddy; water level -5 ft. Total maximum rates of dis- charge (rounded) 1, 919 Average temperature_- --__ 197 1 In eruption. I wlien tlieir eruptions ceased, nearby quiescent springs An eruption of Morning was ordinarily followed by became tictive geysers. This suggests that there was liii eruption of Clepsydra and then Fountain. Fol- no local diminution in total amount of thermal energy. 16wing the earthquake all three started playing simul- taneously, and this activity lasted all August 18. RESUME OF EARTHQUAKE CHANGES Fountain was dormant following the 18tli, but steady The following is a general rdsum6, by areas, of the play of Clepsydra and periodic eruptions of Morning effects of the earthquake upon the ]iot springs. It lasted until September 1, when Morning ceased erupt- gives a general picture as well as some detailed infor- ing. Clepsydra was still erupting continuously early mation regarding marked changes that cannot be de- in January and tlle daily discharge of water from scribed adequately iii summary tables. t]iese three geysers was in excess of that before Au- LOWER GEYSER BASIN gust 18. During the first few days following the earthquake No immediate earthquake effects were noted in the it seemed that clianges in the Lower Geyser Basin Fountain Paint Pot area, but by August 21 it was greatly exceeded those in basins farther up the Fire- evident t]iat activity in the group was increasing. hole River valley; a greater nzimber of springs were Now mzid pots wit]i more violent explosions began to murky, and the major geysers in tlie Fountain Group form iii the nortliern end of tlie crater, and new mud were in almost continuous spectacular eruption. There Pots and steam vents developed Outo.,Ie the main bowl. Were numeroils crisscrossing cracks and evidence of In January, most of the mud pots that developed to much slrimping in the Firehole Lake area ( pl. 4). the north of the crater were roaring steam vents. Althozigh the changes in the Upper Geyser Basin were A new geyser named aEarthquake Geyser" devel- not. as immediately spectacular as tliose in the Lower oped on aii old fissure northwest of Fountain Geyser Basin, time 1',ns proved that they were just as great. ( pl. 4 ). The new geyser played more than 100 feet The simultaneous and sustained activity of Morn- high and discharged a large volume of water. After ing, Fountain, and Clepsydra g·eysers following the several days of activity a steam explosion along the earthquake was entirely witliout precedent. One of same fissure opened a new orifice that diverted the t]ie park naturalists noted tliat this activity began at disc]iarge and caused less frequent activity of Earth- t]le time of tlie first big tremor. Previous functioning quake Geyser. Its activity increased again, however, of these geysers was either independent or in chain just before the end of the year. Iction. Morning Geyser was rejuvenated in 1946 from All major quiescent springs in the Fountain area long dormancy and has been periodically active since. were greatly changed by the earthquake. Celestine, 196 THE HEBGEN LAKE, MONTANA, EARTHQUAKE OF AUGUST 17,1959 Siler, Leat]ldr, and Gentian, which were large and October. From tllis date throug]i December it played steadily overfldwing springs, were· in a state of ebb witli much greater frequency than ever previously tlle morning of tlle 1Sth. The ebbing cont,inued for observed. Immediately following the quake, Daisy, several days, after which Celestine, Silex, and Leather Castle, Riverside, Grotto, Oblong, and other quite became violently active and ejected muddy water. regular geysers began playing at shorter intervals, This condition continued until September 15, when and this behavior persisted throughout tile remainder Celestine and Silex refilled and overflowed in their of the year. The durations of Grotto's eruptions were norlnal manner. Leather ceased erupting, but its much longer than before August 17. An active cycle water stayed murky and at a low level. After ebbing began in Cliff, Hillside, and Baby Daisy geysers; and 41 inclies, tlie water in beautiful Gentian Pool began eruptions continued into January. Morning Glory to rise slowly, but at the end of the year it was still and .Rainbow Pools ebbed about 6 inches and remained 6 inches below overflow. at these levels past tlie end of the year. Iii tlie Great Fountain Group, both Pink Cone and As of January 1960, only one of. the big geysers Great Fountain geysers and several small' unnamed seems to have been affected adversely. It is certain units nearby began playing at greatly lihortened in- that the Grand Geyser erupted. immediately after the tervals. The pattern of eraption of Great' Fountain earthquake, but it has been dormant since. The Geyser has been almostly completely modified. Two Grand, one of the most spectacular in the park, lind springs near Great Fountain erupted so . violently previously been playing at a 10-hour interval. After during tbe night of the 17th that many large pieces of August 17, geysers near the Grand were playing at sinter were strewn around their craters. greatly shortened intervals, and one unnamed, for- MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN merly quiescent, spring was erupting on a major Nearly all the springs in Midway Geyser Basin scale. There .is mucli evidence that the Grand is con- were turbid after the earthquake, and a fdw ebbed nected subterraneously with several of these nearby markedly. Although the earthquake failed:to trigger activated springs and particularly with Castle Geyser. nn elliption of Excelsior Geyser, the sprin#'with the It seems, therefore, that an exchange of function, a most voluminous discharge in the park, it did change common occurrence in the geyser basins where springs the color of the water from rich blue to muddy gray. are conijected subterraneously ( Marler, 1951, p. 309- Turquoise Pool not only lost its appealing coloi:, but 342 ), was caused by the earthquake. tlie water ebbed 8 feet and left the crater nearly empty. In the Myriad Group, a greater percentage of The Grand Prismatic and Indigo Springs both ebbed springs became murky than in any other group in the following the earthquake. Grand Prisinatic began II])per Geyser Basin ; also, a large proportion of its overflowing again on August 18, 1959, but Indigo was quiescent springs erupted during the night of the still at a. low level in January 1960. The crater of eartliquake. Activity in the Afyriad Group was con- Grand Prismatic was slightly tilted, and most of the tinuing, lind one of the new geysers, the Trail, was flow now goes to the east. This is the largest singl e playing about 50 feet high in January 1960. The hot spring in the park, with a pool approximately 300 largest springs iii the Myriad Group, known as the feet in diameter. Precise changes in altitude are not Three Sisters, began a slow ebb after August 17, and known, but the east side probably dropped from 16 to tliis cozidition continued to t]ie end of the year. Since 1 inch relative to the ·west side of the pool. Flood the end of November, two of Three Sisters' vents have Geyser became dormant following the quake but was erupted frequently and regularly. Occasionally other rejuvenated in about mid-November. vents in the main craters have erupted. UPPER GEYSER BASIN There was more evidence of surface fracture in the As in the Lower Basin, the earthquake triggered Sapphire Group than in any other group in the Upper eruptive activity in most of the geysers in the Upper Geyser Basin. A large fissure formed parallel to the Basin. Two Upper Basin geysers, Cascade and Eco- craters of Black Opal Spring and Wall Pool, and 11omic, began periodic activity after nearly 40 years of ·water discharged from Sapphire Pool flowed into it. dormancy. Giantess, whichhad not erupted since A number of fractures in this group emitted steam, May 17, played for more than 100 hours; its longest and many inactive springs became active geysers. previously observed activity was 36 hours. Vault Mustard Springs clianged overniglit from algal-coated Geyser, which is connected underground with Giant- pools to steady geysers, and this activity persisted into ess, was dormant following the quake until mid- January 1960. EFFECTS OF EARTHQUAKE ON FIREHOLE GEYSER BASINS, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK 197 Pei'lial.4 the most spectacular change iii the hot • CONCLUSIONS :1,1·ings occurred iii Sapphire Pool, the main spring JIost of the hot springs in the Firehole Geyser ill the Sapphire Group. Before August 17 it pl:iyed Basins have their craters and lateral ramifications in about every 17 to 20 minutes, erupting to a height of glacial gravel, and much of their immediate water' 3 to 6 feet. Following the quake, and uiitil Septem- supply coines from this gravel. Gravel is especially ber 5, it surged 6 to 8 feet liigli constantly. On Sep- susceptible to change by strong eart]iqua]res. The teniber 5, its steady boiling and surging became Hebgen Lake eartliquakes not oiily prodirced consid- periodic, and tlie spring changed into a major geyser· erable slumping of tlie gravels, as in the Firellole Its eruptions were quite regular, occurring about everY Lake area, but they also altered the underground 2 hours, and were massive and spectacular; some of t:plumbing" and tliereby changed tlie location and the bursts were fully 150 feet liigli and 200 feet broad. degree of surface manifestations of t.hermal etiergy. From September 14 to 29 it reverted to t]ie previously Eartliquakes liave played, and no doubt will con- steadily surging cauldron. On the 29th it again be- tinue to play, an important role in the evolution of canie a major geyser, and tliis activity has persisted. Yellowstone's thermal areas. For example, tlie new Tlie extreine discliarge lias eroded and disrupted •'the fractures noted iii ]iot spring ai·eas after tlie earth- szirface forms over a wide radius around Sapphire's quake suggest that similar fi·actures noted earlier in crater, and toiis of old sinter have been waslied into . old sinter slieets and inounds resulted froni past earth- the Firehole River. quakes rather tlian from dehydration or other causes. Whether by coincidence or prime cause, it was after When describing the characteristics of Old Faithful EL strong tremor on the night of September 4 tliat to park visitors, the author has frequently pointed Sapphire Pool began major eruptive activity. Be- out that Old Faithful might have come iiito being as tween the time of a similar tremor on the night of tlie tlie result of an earthquake, as indicated by the large 13t]i and another one on tlie night of the 28th, it re-1 crack that crosses the geyser mound and from whic]i verted to constant surging, but on the morning of tlie Old Faitliful issues. In referring to an intermediate 29th it was again in a major eruptive cycle. Other · spring, a direct precursor to Old Faithful, the author tremors of similar magnitude have occurred since tlie wrote ( 1\[arler, 1956, p. 620 ) : 28th bzit wit]iout stoppiiig eruptive activity or pro- In my opinion the intermediate spring which built the terraces ducing :iny discernible effects. alld intel'red the btunips began to flow when some "nlechanical For tlie first few days after t]ie earthquake 0]d adjustment" broke the gey:erite shield, .thereby tappiiig ar- Faithful appeared to have survived tlie big shock teries that had been bealed off in their upper reaches. wit]lout change. It was observed to be more erratic Effects of the Iiebgen Lake earthquake do much to con- than usual, with successive 101iger and shorter inter- firm tliis speculation on the genesis of Old Faithful. vals between eruptions, but Old Faitliful occasionally REFERENCES CITED functioned th:•t way in normal times ( Marler, 1957, p. 7 ). Tlie aver:.ge interval between eruptioiis diiring Irague, Arnold, 1004, Atlas of the geology of Yellowstone National Park : U.S. Geol. Survey I\Ion. 32, sheets 22, 23, . tlie szimmer before tlie earthquake was 61.8 minutes, 21. t lie s]101'test senson:11 average on record. By Septelli- :\Ini·ler, G. D., 1951, 1,1xcli:inge of function as :i (·ause of 036.,0 ber 1 it lind increased to 62.1 miiiutes, and it continued gpyber irregul:irity: Am. Jour. Sci., v. 249, 110. 5, p. 0-.,- 842. to increase at least to January 1960. Two huiidred -1054, Does the cold of winter affect the thermal inten- ind fifty-five eruption intervals timed during the last sity of the hot >pring, in Yellowstone Park [Wyo.] 7: Am. 10 days of December showed an average interval of Jour. Sci., v. 252, no, 1, p. 38-54 37.4 minutes. This increase is not due to the season, -1030, How old 18 Old Faithful Geyser [Wyo.] ?: Am. Jour, Sci , v 234, no. 10, p 615-022. for past observation has indicated that tlie cold of -1937, The story of Old Faithful Geyser : Yellowstone winter does not affect Old Faithful's frequency of Libr. and JIus: Assoc, Yellowstone Interpretive Ser. no. 4, :ruption ( Marler, 1954, p. 53 ). 44 p. t i.ID . 4.1 11·. .· i "60'f,·5 f: i : 6 Il .·, :.: ·'77 i; ...Ir ''311:1 i : 1 ': S.' i': D ;;.1 k .:#7; .,t,·',A h. ' , 9:ff I 1 ']fi . :i 99'/ 5 ;-I .•. . 1...111'::.-1 .1.,-1,1.11.1.,Ill'1111 11 11 I ':·i t.', '7 VA.. 1 12 r.' i:14 f : i UOR,14,1 ,/(i, ligi,: 'St,iu OliI il : ·':-i '3·.J'.117 : '.'- : O':r:,4- . '.,0. ..'./ 1. '11 1.19:'I, 1,: 3../'' '., i .' : , I 1-" %'I:3,'•')3'.i i )