Echinus Geyser

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Echinus Geyser during an eruption.
Echinus Geyser during an eruption.

Echinus Geyser is a geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

Echinus' eruptions are unpredictable. Its fountain reaches a height of as much as 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 m), with a duration of about 4 minutes. Prior to 1998, this geyser was very regular, every 35 to 75 minutes. There were also major eruptions that lasted as much as 118 minutes. It is speculated that there was a secondary underground water source that used to power the major eruptions and that the connection to the source was severed leading to Echinus' current state.[1]

Echinus is the largest acid-water geyser known. Its waters have a pH of 3.3 to 3.6, nearly as acidic as vinegar.[2] The water temperature is 185°F (85°C).[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Echinus Geyser. Norris Geyser Basin Tour. National Park Service (December 22, 2004). Retrieved on May 16, 2006.
  2. ^ Ibid.
  3. ^ Ball, James W.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Cunningham, Kirk M.; Schoonen, Martin A. A.; Xu, Yong and DeMonge, Jennifer M. (April 2001). Water-Chemistry and On-Site Sulfur-Speciation Data for Selected Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 1994-1995 (PDF). USGS. Retrieved on May 16, 2006.

[edit] External links