Steamboat Geyser, the geyser that lay dormant for 50 years at one time and is considered the world’s tallest geyser when it erupts, is still setting records for the current frequency of eruptions. So far this year, Yellowstone National Park reports Steamboat has erupted 47 times at an average of 7 ½ days between eruptions. The number of eruptions by the end of 2019 for Steamboat Geyser was 48, setting an historic record. If the current interval holds up, that record will be tied yet this week and possibly exceeded before the year is over. Steamboat suddenly became more frequent in 2018 when the geyser erupted 32 times breaking all previous records. That frequency caught scientists in Yellowstone by surprise since it had only erupted sporadically since awakening in 1961 after a 50-year dormancy. Steamboat is so spectacular, it has attracted a record number of visitors to see it, requiring the park to almost double its interpreters tending the site. During one of its major eruptions, Steamboat can shoot water as much as 300 feet into the air and last up to 2 hours. That compares with Old Faithful’s maximum of 184 feet for up to five minutes.
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