Sawmill Geyser is a small fountain-type geyser located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. Its unique feature is the whirring sound it makes during eruptions, which resembles the rotating circular blade of a lumber mill. This blog post will explore the fascinating facts about Sawmill Geyser that every national park touring enthusiast should know.
The Unique Feature of Sawmill Geyser
Sawmill Geyser gets its name from the distinctive whirring sound it makes during eruptions. This sound is caused by the vent shape and the sputtering of water in its filled pool, creating a sound that resembles the rotating circular blade of a lumber mill.
Eruption Patterns of Sawmill Geyser
Sawmill Geyser’s eruptions are highly variable, lasting anywhere from 9 minutes to over 4 hours. The geyser tends to have a delay of around 1 to 3 hours between eruptions, making it an unpredictable but captivating sight for visitors.
Location and Interconnected System
Sawmill Geyser is part of the Sawmill Group, located approximately 10 feet off the path in the Upper Geyser Basin, near Grand Geyser. This group of geysers, including Penta Geyser, Spasmodic Geyser, and Churn Geyser, is interconnected underground, with their eruptions influencing each other in different modes of behavior.
Geochemical Properties
Sawmill Geyser has an average temperature of 138°F (58.9°C), an average pH of 7.5, and an average conductivity of 2157 uS/cm. The pool is surrounded by geyserite from previous high levels of geyser activity, and thermophiles are visible in the vent at the bottom of the clear pool.
Dormancy and Resumption
Sawmill Geyser stopped erupting in 2017 but resumed eruptive activity on June 24, 2021, after a four-year pause. This highlights the dynamic nature of Yellowstone’s geothermal features and the importance of ongoing monitoring and research.
Safety Precautions
As with all hydrothermal features in Yellowstone, visitors are advised to stay on boardwalks and designated trails, as the water can cause severe burns. It is also important to supervise children and avoid scratching hydrothermal mats, which can damage the delicate ecosystem.
Conclusion
Sawmill Geyser is a unique and captivating feature of Yellowstone National Park, with its distinctive whirring sound and variable eruption patterns. By understanding the facts about Sawmill Geyser, national park touring enthusiasts can appreciate the dynamic and interconnected nature of the park’s geothermal features and take the necessary precautions to enjoy them safely.
References:
– https://ynpgeysers.fandom.com/wiki/Sawmill_Geyser
– https://www.nps.gov/places/000/sawmill-geyser.htm
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawmill_Geyser
– https://yellowstonenaturalist.com/geyser-watch/get-to-know-the-sawmill-group-of-geysers/
– https://thewildimages.com/a-sawmill-geyser-eruption-makes-its-characteristic-whirring-sounds-as-it-bursts-water-from-the-pool/