Opal Pool

Opal Pool is a hot spring in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Opal Pool usually has a temperature of approximately 132 °F (56 °C).[1] Though usually active as a hot spring, Opal Pool is considered a fountain-type geyser.[2]

Opal Pool
Opal Pool
Location	Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, USA
Coordinates	44.526673°N 110.83879°W[1]
Elevation	7,250 feet (2,210 m)
Type	Geyser
Eruption height	20-70 feet
Frequency	Rare
Duration	1 minute
Temperature	132 °F (56 °C)

The first recorded eruption of Opal Pool was in 1947, recurring in 1949, 1952 and 1953, then ceasing. Eruptions resumed in 1979, happening at least once in most following years. Eruption heights are typically under 30 feet (9.1 m) in height, but some eruptions have been seen with heights of 70 feet (21 m) to 80 feet (24 m). Eruptions occur suddenly following visible convection in the pool, but are unpredictable.[3] An eruption consists of one, huge, burst that throws water 20–80 feet high, making Opal Pool the largest active geyser at Midway Geyser Basin. Much smaller splashes seconds apart stretch the total duration to about 1 minute. In 2005 Opal completely drained, but refilled as a vivid green pool in 2008.

See also

• List of Yellowstone geothermal features
• Yellowstone National Park
• Geothermal areas of Yellowstone

References

1. "Opal Pool". Yellowstone Geothermal Features Database. Montana State University. Retrieved 2011-02-12.
2. "Opal Pool". Geysers of Yellowstone. Geyser Observation and Study Association (GOSA). Archived from the original on 2010-09-29. Retrieved 2011-02-12.
3. Bryan, T. Scott (1995). The Geysers of Yellowstone. University Press of Colorado. pp. 178–179. ISBN 0-87081-365-X.