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World's largest acidic geyser wakes up in Yellowstone from six-year slumber

World's largest acidic geyser wakes up in Yellowstone from six-year slumber

Summary

The Echinus Geyser, the largest acidic geyser in the world, has started erupting again in Yellowstone National Park after being dormant since 2020. The recent eruptions began in February 2023 and have reached heights of up to 30 feet, although their continuation is uncertain.

Key Facts

  • The Echinus Geyser is the world's largest acidic geyser, located in Yellowstone National Park.
  • It erupted again in February 2023 after being quiet since 2020.
  • Eruptions have reached water heights of up to 30 feet.
  • This geyser's eruptions used to be more predictable, occurring every 40 to 80 minutes in the 1970s.
  • Eruptions became less regular in recent years, with only a few occurrences from 2018 to 2020.
  • Acidic geysers like Echinus are unusual because acidic water can erode the rock structure, but Echinus is stable due to less concentrated acid.
  • The future of its eruptions is unclear, as they may stop after a month or two.

Source Information