White Dome Geyser facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White Dome Geyser |
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White Dome Geyser cone
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| Location | Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming |
| Coordinates | 44°32′22″N 110°48′10″W / 44.539348°N 110.8028189°W |
| Type | Cone geyser |
| Eruption height | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Frequency | 8 minutes to >3 hours |
| Duration | 2 minutes |
White Dome Geyser is a famous geyser found in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. It's known for its unique cone shape and powerful eruptions. This geyser is a must-see for visitors exploring the park's amazing geothermal features.
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What is White Dome Geyser?
White Dome Geyser is a special type of geyser called a cone geyser. This means it has a tall, cone-shaped mound built up around its opening. This cone is made from a mineral called geyserite, which is deposited by the hot water. White Dome's cone is quite large, standing about 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall. You can easily spot it from Firehole Lake Drive. Many people watch it while waiting for the nearby Great Fountain Geyser to erupt.
How White Dome Geyser Erupts
White Dome Geyser's eruptions are a bit unpredictable. They can happen anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours apart. The shortest eruptions have been seen just 8 to 11 minutes apart. However, it most often erupts every 20 to 35 minutes.
Each eruption usually lasts about 2 minutes. The water can shoot up to 30 feet (9 meters) high! The highest point of the eruption happens right at the beginning. Like other cone geysers, the water usually sprays continuously throughout the eruption. Most eruptions start without much warning. Sometimes, you might see a little spitting of water just before it begins. The eruption ends with a mix of steam and water spray. Between big eruptions, you might see small spits of water lasting only a second or two. Very rarely, a smaller eruption might happen, with water spouting for 10 to 15 seconds.
Why White Dome Geyser is Important
Even though White Dome Geyser isn't as tall or powerful as Great Fountain Geyser, it's still a very important feature. It was even used as a symbol by the Yellowstone Library and Museum Association, which is now called the Yellowstone Association.
Scientific Discoveries Near White Dome
A very important scientific discovery happened close to White Dome Geyser. A special type of bacterium called Thermus aquaticus was first found in Mushroom Pool. This is a hot spring just a few hundred feet from White Dome Geyser. This bacterium is super important because it produces an enzyme that scientists use in a lab process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR is a key tool in molecular biology and helps scientists study DNA.
The White Dome Geyser Group
White Dome Geyser is the biggest member of a group of geothermal features called the White Dome Group. This group has at least five other geysers and several non-erupting hot springs. Firehole Lake Drive cuts right through this group.
Other Geysers in the Group
You can see some of the other geysers in the White Dome Group from the parking area across Firehole Lake Drive. These include:
- Gemini Geyser
- Crack Geyser
- Pebble Geyser
- Rejuvenated Geyser
- An unnamed geyser (known as UNNG-WDG-2)
These geysers have different levels of activity. Gemini Geyser was last active in 2014-2015. Crack, Pebble, and UNNG-WDG-2 geysers erupt very rarely. Rejuvenated Geyser, however, has been actively erupting since 2015.
Images for kids
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White Dome Geyser erupting
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A close-up view of the geyser's cone
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