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Riverside Geyser facts for kids

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Riverside Geyser
Rivererside Geyser Erupting.jpg
Full Eruption 2009
Location Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming
Coordinates 44°28′25″N 110°50′26″W / 44.4735439°N 110.8404890°W / 44.4735439; -110.8404890
Type Cone geyser
Eruption height 75 feet (23 m)
Frequency 5 - 7 hours
Duration 20 minutes
Temperature 82.1 °C (179.8 °F)

Riverside Geyser is a famous geyser found in Yellowstone National Park. This amazing natural feature is located in the state of Wyoming, United States. It's one of the most exciting geysers to watch in the park!

What Makes Riverside Geyser Special?

Riverside Geyser is located right next to the Firehole River. It's part of the Upper Geyser Basin. When it erupts, it shoots hot water and steam high into the air. The water can reach heights of 75 feet (about 23 meters)!

How Does Riverside Geyser Erupt?

The geyser's water arches beautifully over the river. Sometimes, if the sun is shining just right, you can even see a rainbow in the spray! This makes for a truly magical sight.

When Does Riverside Geyser Erupt?

Riverside Geyser erupts about every 5 to 7 hours. It's one of the most predictable geysers in Yellowstone. This is because it's not too close to other geysers. Other geysers can sometimes mess up the underground water flow.

Understanding Riverside's Eruption Pattern

Riverside Geyser has a unique eruption pattern. It's called "bimodal." This means it often erupts either 20 minutes earlier or 25 minutes later than its average time. Each eruption lasts for about 20 minutes. For an hour or two before an eruption, water often spills over the edge of its cone. This is a good sign that an eruption is coming soon!

How Did Riverside Geyser Get Its Name?

The geyser was named by the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871. They explored the Yellowstone area and gave names to many of its natural wonders. Its name comes from its location right by the Firehole River.

Riverside Geyser vs. Old Faithful

Many people know about Old Faithful. It's a very famous geyser. But Riverside Geyser is actually one of the most reliable geysers in Yellowstone. It's very dependable, even more so than Old Faithful in some ways!

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