YNP Thermal Feature: Echinus Geyser

Thermal Map; Gibbon Canyon (Map) -> Norris Geyser Basin (Map) -> Back Basin -> Echinus Geyser


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Approximate Location of Echinus Geyser:

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Echinus Geyser
YNP Thermal Inventory ID: NBB163
Feature Type: Geyser
Lat: 44.7220558
Lon: -110.7021057
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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.

*Adapted from the NPS Norris Geyser Basin Trail Guide and the Norris Interactive Map

Data Available:

YNP Thermal Inventory Data

Date	Description	pH	Temp (°C)	Vent Temp (°C)	Conductance (µmhos/cm)
08/11/1998		3.63	80.3	0	1300

USGS Geochemical Data¹

YNP RCN Participant Geochemical Data

*Indicates an unofficial name

Note: The YNP RCN is working closely with the YNP Spatial Analysis Center to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on geothermal features, however, errors do exist. Any questions or concerns regarding features found on this site should be directed to the YNP RCN before contacting the Spatial Analysis Center.