486K views · 5.5K reactions | A hydrothermal explosion Tuesday morning at Yellowstone National Park sent people running for cover and prompted the closure of an area containing several geysers. Hydrothermal explosions occur when water suddenly flashes to steam underground, and are relatively common in Yellowstone. The boardwalk was damaged, but there were no reports of injury, according to a statement from the U.S. Geological Survey. https://abcnews.visitlink.me/BoAKzh | ABC News | Facebook

The water flowing through Yellowstone and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) is a vital national resource. The headwaters of seven great rivers located here flow from the Continental Divide across the nation to the Pacific Ocean, and the gulfs of California and Mexico. Rain and snow in the mountains and plateaus of the Northern Rockies flow through stream and river networks to provide essential moisture to much of the American West. Together, Yellowstone’s streams and rivers support an abun