Theme parks often open new attractions that draw tourists. Sometimes God’s creation does the same thing!

A new steam vent appeared in Yellowstone National Park. It spews hot vapor into the air. The steam reaches 171 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to cause burns. So don’t get too close!

Thankfully, visitors won’t have to. They can see this thermal feature from the road. Or they will, once the roads open in April.

Scientists studied the steam vent. A thin coat of gray mud surrounded it. That tells them the vent is new. 

Scientist Mike Poland leads the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. He says such features often form and change in Yellowstone.

“There’s so many thermal features,” he says. “Not only do they come and go, but they change.”

What causes the constant change? Yellowstone sits atop a massive volcano. It hasn’t erupted since ancient times. But its superhot magma still creates thermal features on the surface.

The magma is held in a large underground “magma chamber.” It is between five and 10 miles under the surface. Only a small part of the chamber still holds magma. (There is also a second magma reservoir beneath this chamber.) It heats underground water. That water bubbles up into geysers, hot springs—and steam vents. 

Sometimes things get explosive. In July 2024, a surprise blast of hot water sent tourists running. But don’t worry. Geologists say there are no signs that the volcano will erupt. At least, not any time soon. 

However, visitors should stay on official walkways. In many places, Yellowstone’s ground is thin. Wanderers could fall through the crust.

God’s creation requires our respect. When we treat nature wrongly, we can harm it. Or it can harm us. But when we treat it right, it reveals wonders. The beauty of Yellowstone shows us the beauty and creativity of God. We worship an amazing Creator!

All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. — John 1:3