Expert: Quakes could alter Yellowstone

By The Associated Press

JACKSON - A researcher says the recent swarm of small earthquakes in Yellowstone National Park could alter some of the park's thermal features.

More than 500 earthquakes have been recorded in the area around Yellowstone Lake in the past 10 days.

The earthquakes appear to be subsiding and have caused no property damage. But they have left scientists and park officials wondering what it means for the world's first national park.

While the park has experienced earthquake swarms before, the recent activity is unusual because of its intensity.

University of Utah geophysics professor Robert Smith doesn't anticipate any volcanic eruptions as a result, but he says there's potential for hydrothermal explosions and more earthquakes.

He says another series of quakes in 1985 resulted in changes to the caldera.

Copyright © 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Published on Wednesday, January 07, 2009.
Last modified on 1/7/2009 at 4:25 pm

http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2009/01/07/news/wyoming/16-quakes.txt