Grand Geyser facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Grand Geyser
Grand Geyser
Name origin	Named during 1871 Hayden Geological Survey
Location	Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming
Coordinates	44°28′00″N 110°50′18″W / 44.4665996°N 110.8382669°W / 44.4665996; -110.8382669
Elevation	7,329 feet (2,234 m)
Type	Fountain geyser
Eruption height	200 feet (61 m)
Frequency	6 to 7 hours
Duration	9 to 12 minutes
Southern section of Upper Geyser Basin

Grand Geyser is a super cool geyser found in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. It's known as the tallest geyser that erupts on a regular schedule, so you can often predict when it will go off! Dr. F.V. Hayden gave it its name back in 1871.

What is Grand Geyser?

Grand Geyser is a type of geyser called a fountain geyser. This means it shoots water out in wide, powerful bursts, like a giant fountain. It's one of the most impressive sights in Yellowstone National Park.

How High Does Grand Geyser Erupt?

When Grand Geyser erupts, its water can shoot up as high as 200 feet (61 m). That's about as tall as a 20-story building! Each eruption usually lasts for about 9 to 12 minutes.

How Often Does Grand Geyser Erupt?

Grand Geyser usually erupts every 7 to 15 hours. However, since 2018, it has become very predictable, often erupting every 6 to 7 hours. This makes it easier for visitors to plan their trip to see this amazing natural show.

The Grand Geyser Group

Grand Geyser is part of a special group of geysers called the Grand Group. These geysers are connected underground. This means their eruptions often happen together or one after another. The two geysers most closely linked to Grand are Vent Geyser and Turban Geyser.

How Grand Geyser's Eruption Starts

Before Grand Geyser erupts, its neighbor, Turban Geyser, starts erupting first. Turban Geyser will erupt for about five minutes, every 17 to 22 minutes, for a few hours. Grand Geyser's eruption usually begins within a minute or two of Turban starting one of its bursts.

Soon after Grand Geyser begins, Vent Geyser also starts erupting. Sometimes, Grand Geyser might stop for a minute or two after 7 to 9 minutes, then restart with an even taller burst of water! It's rare, but Grand has been known to restart many times during one eruption period.

After the Eruption

Once Grand Geyser finishes its eruption, its pool becomes empty. It takes about five hours for the pool to fill up again with hot water from underground. Even after Grand stops, Vent and Turban Geysers might continue to erupt for another hour.