Splendid Geyser, Fountain geyser in Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, United States.
Splendid Geyser is a fountain geyser in Upper Geyser Basin with two connected main pools and numerous smaller vents scattered around. The formation displays distinctive sawtooth-shaped rims made of mineral deposits with orange-tinted heat-loving microbes coloring the edges.
The geyser erupted regularly through the early 1970s before entering a period of dormancy that lasted for years. It showed brief signs of revival in the 1990s before settling back into relative quiet.
Visitors come to watch for rare moments when this geyser and nearby ones erupt together, creating a shared spectacle that draws people to the same spot. The gathered crowds reflect the place's appeal as a natural performance space within the park.
The water is extremely hot and the ground around the pools can be slippery, so stay on marked paths and keep distance from the edges. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing, especially when conditions are wet or icy.
The intervals between eruptions range from just a few minutes to more than two decades, making it nearly impossible to predict. This extreme unpredictability means that watching for an eruption becomes a matter of luck rather than timing.
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