An explosive eruption of Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park's Biscuit Basin may have formed an entirely new geyser.

A large explosion destroyed part of a trail on the morning of July 23, forcing visitors to evacuate to safety on the Wyoming side of Yellowstone. The explosion was the result of a “localized hydrothermal” event near Black Diamond and Sapphire Pools in Biscuit Basin, just north of Old Faithful. No one was injured in the explosion, but it may have caused a small crack in the ground beneath Yellowstone.

The geyser shot water and rock debris up to 600 feet into the air, six times higher than originally reported. according to To Live Science.

Explosion rocks Yellowstone Basin, blows away boardwalk, panics tourists as video shows https://t.co/0xnqsJwozy

— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) July 24, 2024

Geologists are still investigating the site and analyzing the rocks they're obsessed with, and early results suggest that the geyser didn't eject much rock, meaning it was a very shallow explosion. according to Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles. (Related article: See how a group of stupid tourists nearly died in Yellowstone National Park)

These are common in Yellowstone, occurring when minerals build up in the park's underground “pipes.” An obstruction could naturally cause pressure to build up, resulting in an explosion. But this particular event may have diverted a shallow system in Biscuit Basin into a different path, creating a new geyser.

Chinese tourists appear to be destroying toilets in Yellowstone and Grand Teton by relieving themselves in an un-American way | Daily Caller

What's the most annoying place you've ever broken a toilet?https://t.co/X1o1dJIvpt

— Kay Smythe (@KaySmythe) April 15, 2024

The scariest thing is that there were no warning signs to warn geologists, tourists, or park rangers of the impending danger. No one was injured, so that doesn't seem like a big deal, but it should be. (Related: Floating foot discovered in shoe in Yellowstone National Park)

While 99.999% of America is focused on the upcoming presidential election, you should be paying more attention to your relationship with the natural world. If you can't trust your politicians to keep you safe at night, why would you trust them in an emergency when they can't do anything to help you?