Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin area will remain closed for the rest of the summer following a dramatic hydrothermal explosion that occurred on Tuesday. The explosion sent rocks, debris, and boiling water shooting hundreds of feet into the air, causing significant damage to the surrounding boardwalk and sparking a frantic scramble for safety among nearby tourists.

Captured on video, the explosive event startled visitors, prompting urgent calls to back away from the area. Miraculously, no injuries were reported as everyone managed to escape unharmed. Images captured in the aftermath displayed a scene of scattered large rocks, dirt, and debris, with the once-sturdy wooden boardwalk leading to the Black Diamond and Black Opal geothermal pools left in ruins.

According to park officials, the explosion was a result of water abruptly transitioning to steam beneath the surface of the Black Diamond Pool. It is important to note that the explosion was not triggered by any volcanic activity but rather by changes in the geology of the area. Most of the force was directed towards the nearby Firehole River, with some heavy rocks estimated to be three feet wide being flung near the explosion site.

The hydrothermal explosion even altered the shape of the Black Diamond and Black Opal pools, causing them to become murky due to the presence of debris. The instability of the surrounding ground resulted in occasional slides into the pools. The water level in the Black Diamond Pool also rose significantly throughout Tuesday, leading to occasional bursts of hot water reaching heights of approximately eight feet.

By Wednesday, the water levels had risen to the point where both pools were overflowing, sending their cloudy and debris-filled water into the Firehole River. Due to the changes in the geological structure and the potential for small explosions of boiling water, park officials have decided to close the Biscuit Basin area for the remainder of the summer. However, Grand Loop Road and other nearby thermal basins, such as Black Sand Basin, will remain open to visitors.

To understand the impacts of the hydrothermal explosion and monitor any further changes in the area, teams of geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) will be conducting thorough investigations over the next few days. While hydrothermal explosions are relatively rare, occurring once or a few times per year in the park, they are often observed in remote backcountry areas where immediate detection is challenging. The last hydrothermal explosion known to have taken place in the Biscuit Basin was back in 2009, with a similar, smaller incident occurring near Porkchop Geyser in 1989.

As park officials prioritize visitor safety and assess the impacts of the recent hydrothermal explosion, they are working diligently to provide alternative experiences and access to other parts of Yellowstone National Park. The closure serves as a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the park's geothermal features, emphasizing the need for caution and vigilance when exploring these unique natural wonders.