“Extreme” and “Unusual” Geothermal Activity in YNP

SEISMIC HAZARD
HEIGHTENED GLOBAL SEISMICITY
INTENSE GEOTHERMAL ACTIVITY
SCENARIOS 989, 08, 07
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Extreme Heat Melts Road at YNP

Intense geothermal activity at Yellowstone National Park (YNP) has created hotspots with extreme heat melting roads.

Firehole Lake Drive, which stretches for more than 3 miles between the Old Faithful geyser and Madison Junction, is closed because melting asphalt has turned it into a “soupy mess,” said a YNP spokesman, describing the melting of pavement as both “extreme” and “unusual.”

YNP, home to the Yellowstone Caldera, world’s largest “supervolcano,” covers about 2,220,000 acres with more than 10,000 thermal features and 300 geysers.

YNP officials have been forced to close Firehole Lake Drive as well as access to several geysers and thermal features in the park after extreme heat melted asphalt, turning it into a “soupy mess.” The hotspot reportedly extends  beyond the pavement, with parts of the ground saturated with boiling water. (Image credit: Yellowstone National Park).

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