Aurum Geyser - Yellowstone N.P., Wyoming
Posted by: 
Volcanoguy
N 44° 27.872 W 110° 49.775
12T E 513555 N 4923483
Aurum Geyser is located near Geyser Hill in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park.
Waymark Code: WMDQET
Location: Wyoming, United States
Date Posted: 02/14/2012
Views: 8
Aurum Geyser is a cone-type geyser. The eruption heights range from 15-25 feet and generally last about 90 seconds. During moist times of the year when the adjacent meadow is wet the eruptions are generally 3 to 4 hours apart. During dry periods the eruptions become much more irregular in timing and can vary from 3 to 20 hours.
Information sources from The Geyser Observation and Study Association (
visit link) and Yellowstone National Park.com (
visit link)
Text of sign at Aurum Geyser:
Aurum is Latin for “gold.” The geyser was named for the color of iron oxide deposits lining the vent’s rim. During eruptions, which occur every 2.5 to 5 hours, water and steam are ejected to heights often exceeding 20 feet.
Fast Facts;
Aurum Geyser is a cone-type geyser.
Prior to an earthquake in 1983, Aurum Geyser rarely erupted.
Eruptions last about a minute.
Geyser Types
All geysers are essentially hot springs that periodically erupt. Beyond this broad similarity, they can be grouped into two categories: cone geysers (Old Faithful is the most famous of this type) and fountain geysers ( like Sawmill or Grand geysers).
Cone geysers have narrow openings, or vents. Under pressure, this opening can act like a “nozzle,” spouting a steady column of water. Over long periods of time, sinter (silica) builds around the vent opening creating the cone.
The wide openings or vents of fountain geysers are often mistaken for hot springs. Water collects in the vent before and during eruptions, and erupting water and steam pass through the pool.