Echinus Geyser

Description

Echinus (e-KI-nus) Geyser is named for its deposits, which look like the spines of echinoderms such as sea urchins or sea stars. It was a perennial crowd-pleaser which typically erupted every 35 to 75 minutes. Late in 1998 this geyser altered its interval and now erupts only a few times per day at best. Its pool fills gradually with water; then suddenly, bursts of steam and water explode 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 m) skyward. Eruptions usually last about 4 minutes but in the past major eruptions have lasted as long as 118 minutes. The major eruptions were believed to be caused by a secondary water source which has mysteriously vanished. There has not been a major eruption in 3 years. In late 1998 Echinus' performance diminished and became erratic. As of early-2000 its eruptions remain unpredictable. Echinus is the largest acid-water geyser known. Its waters are almost as acidic as vinegar with a pH ranging from 3.3 to 3.6 . Acid geysers are extremely rare with the majority of the planet's total being found here at Norris Geyser Basin.

Feature Type

Geyser

Inventory ID

NBB163

Location

Latitude: 44.72206
Longitude: -110.7021
Survey Date: August 11, 1998

Participants

Feature Data