[Geysers] Giant 30 July 2006

[jacross]

Giant erupted at 02:39 on 30 July 2006.  The last water was noted at 04:13.  I 
do not have notes on all the happenings that preceded the eruption.

The hot period followed a marathon eruption of Grotto.  My impression is that 
it was quite strong.  Mastiff began erupting 2 minutes before Giant, and 
reached a maximum height of around 50-70 feet.

Because of the darkness it was difficult to see how high the start of Giant's 
eruption was.  I remember that all the water, as high up as I could see, was 
coming down.  It completely drenched the observation platform.  Catfish also 
erupted loudly with Giant.

Aesthetically, the eruption was unusual because the geyser alone was lit by 
several large flashlights.  It stood out brightly against a black background.  
Giant's appearance on both the 23 and 30 July eruptions was also unusual 
because the steam billows stacked up on top of the geyser, but all were 
pierced by a single water jet.  This shape seems unique to Giant.

The downdraft around Giant perhaps 10-20 minutes into the eruption is 
interesting to watch.  It has a velocity of about 10-15 MPH.

Jeff Cross
jacross at lamar.colostate.edu