description Clepsydra Geyser Overview
Clepsydra Geyser is a fountain-type geyser situated in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, adjacent to the Fountain Paint Pot. It was named for the Greek word klepsydra, meaning water clock, because it historically erupted with regular, clock-like intervals. Following the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, the geyser's plumbing system shifted, causing it to erupt almost continuously. It shoots water up to 45 feet in the air, making it a prominent feature of the park's thermal areas.
help Clepsydra Geyser FAQ
Where is Clepsydra Geyser located?
Clepsydra Geyser is in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. It sits in the Fountain Paint Pot area, where visitors can see geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles along designated trails.
Why is Clepsydra Geyser named after a water clock?
Clepsydra is the Greek word for a water clock, and the geyser once erupted at regular intervals of about three minutes. The 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake changed its plumbing, after which it began erupting almost continuously.
Does Clepsydra Geyser still erupt every three minutes?
No. The three-minute pattern describes its historical behavior before the 1959 earthquake, while the modern geyser is nearly always splashing or steaming.
How can visitors view Clepsydra Geyser safely?
Visitors should remain on the boardwalks and designated trails in the Fountain Paint Pot area. Yellowstone warns that hydrothermal water can cause severe burns even when a feature looks calm.
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