Semi-Centennial Geyser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Semi-Centennial Geyser |
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| Location | Norris-Mammoth corridor, .25 miles (0.40 km) north of Roaring Mountain, Yellowstone National Park, Park County, Wyoming |
| Coordinates | 44°47′10″N 110°44′24″W / 44.7861488°N 110.7398630°W |
| Elevation | 7,533 feet (2,296 m) |
| Type | Explosive-type Geyser (Fountain) |
| Eruption height | 300 ft (91 m) |
The Semi-Centennial Geyser is a special hot spring found in Yellowstone National Park. It is located in the U.S. state of Wyoming, close to a place called Roaring Mountain. This geyser is right next to the Grand Loop Road, making it easy to spot.
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What is a Geyser?
A geyser is a rare type of hot spring. It shoots out water and steam into the air. This happens because of heat deep inside the Earth. Water gets very hot underground and then bursts out.
Semi-Centennial's Big Eruptions
People first noticed the Semi-Centennial Geyser in 1919. It had a few small eruptions then. But its biggest show happened a few years later.
On August 14, 1922, the geyser started erupting. It began with small bursts. But it quickly grew more powerful. By that afternoon, the water shot up over 300 feet (91 m) high! That's as tall as a 30-story building.
Debris and Quiet Times
The eruptions were so strong that they threw rocks and debris. These pieces landed as far as 450 ft (140 m) from the geyser's opening. That's longer than a football field!
The Semi-Centennial Geyser's active period was short. After 1922, it became quiet. Today, you will only see a small pool of water where the geyser once erupted.
How the Geyser Got Its Name
The geyser got its name because of when it was most active. Its biggest eruptions happened in 1922. This year was also the 50th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park. The park was created in 1872. "Semi-Centennial" means "half-century" or 50 years. So, the name celebrates this special park milestone.
