Crystal Geyser

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Crystal Geyser erupting on 11 Oct, 2005.
Crystal Geyser erupting on 11 Oct, 2005.
Crystal Geyser
Crystal Geyser

Crystal Geyser is located on the east bank of the Green River approximately 4.5 miles (7.25 km) downstream from Green River, Utah. It is a rare example of a cold water "soda pop" geyser caused by groundwater which has picked up chemicals necessary to become a mild sulfuric acid coming in contact with a deposit of calcium carbonate. This combination creates carbon dioxide gas that pressurizes the water forcing it up through the opening.

The geyser erupts sometimes to a height of 40 meters or more. During 2005, a study of the timing of the eruptions found them to be bimodal with about 66% of the eruptions about 8 hours after the previous eruption, and the rest about 22 hours after.

The current form of the geyser was created by an exploration well drilled circa 1930 in attempt to locate oil. A large diameter pipe was installed in the 1990s to prevent people from falling into the well after the well known story of Jessica McClure.

The first written record of Crystal Geyser comes from the report of the John Wesley Powell river expedition, July 13, 1869:

We stop to examine some interesting rocks, deposited by mineral springs that at one time must have existed here, but which are no longer flowing.

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