Lobby > Exhibits > Hot Water Treasures > Types of Thermal Features > Geysers > How Geysers Change

HUMAN-CAUSED CHANGE

Perpetual Spouters Intermittent Springs Cone vs Fountain Aging a Geyser How Geysers Change Geyser Hall of Fame

Minute Geyser in Norris Geyser Basin is an example of a vandalized geyser. In early Yellowstone days, a loading dock for stagecoach passengers was located nearby and many visitors amused themselves by tossing coins and other objects into the geyser’s vent while awaiting their coaches.

Once upon a time, Minute regularly erupted to heights of 40 feet (12 m). Eventually the continuous vandalism damaged its plumbing system. The geyser now spouts vigorously about 1 foot (0.3 m) high and it has been noted that Minute Geyser should be known as “Minute Geyser.”

Next | 1 > 2 > 3 | Next Section: Geyser Hall of Fame