Yellowstone's past droughts may signal less geyser activity and more wildfires
A study led by a Montana State University research professor reveals how climate and hydrothermal activity have shaped the vegetation, wildfire and aquatic ecosystem histories of the Yellowstone Plateau over the past 15,000 years. The results of the project were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
A Montana State University study indicates that past droughts in Yellowstone may lead to reduced geyser activity and more wildfires in the future. Led by professor Cathy Whitlock, the research team examined sediment cores from small lakes in the Lower Geyser Basin to learn about past geothermal activity, vegetation, wildfires and aquatic ecosystems over the past 15,000 years.
The lakes in the geyser basin formed after glaciers melted and released overlying pressure, causing hydrothermal eruptions. The pollen records from the lakes reveal that grassy steppe ecosystems developed after the ice receded, while lodgepole pine forests became established between 12,800 and 11,000 years ago. Despite climate changes, the lodgepole pine has remained dominant due to the infertile soils and fire adaptation.
The study also found that hydrothermal systems were more active during wet periods, suggesting that future warming could result in reduced hydrothermal activity and increased wildfires.
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