description Echinus Geyser Overview
Echinus Geyser is a notable hydrothermal feature located in the Back Basin area of Yellowstone National Park's Norris Geyser Basin. It is historically recognized as the largest known acidic geyser in the world, with a water pH measuring around 3.5, comparable to vinegar. Historically, it was a frequently erupting geyser that attracted significant visitor attention, though its eruption activity has become highly erratic and infrequent since the late 1990s.
help Echinus Geyser FAQ
How acidic is Echinus Geyser?
Its water is generally around pH 3 to 4, making it approximately as acidic as vinegar. The National Park Service describes Echinus as the largest known acidic geyser.
Can visitors predict an Echinus Geyser eruption?
Not reliably. Echinus was once frequent enough to attract crowds to its viewing platforms, but its eruptions can now be separated by months or years.
How high does Echinus Geyser erupt?
Documented eruptions can throw water approximately 30 to 40 feet, or 9 to 12 metres, into the air. That is far below nearby Steamboat Geyser's major eruptions, but Echinus is distinguished by its acidity.
Why is it named Echinus Geyser?
Mineral deposits around the feature resemble the spines of echinoderms such as sea urchins. Iron oxides also produce the red-orange coloring around its pool and runoff channel.
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