[Geysers] Constant Geyser Data Logger Mystery (Young)

[Jacob Young]

Hi All,
I've been in contact with Dr. Jake Lowenstern of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory about getting access to their Norris data logger data, which will be accessible via Geysertimes.org in the near future.

In addition, he mentioned that the logger on Constant Geyser (http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/yellowstone/yellowstone_monitoring_35.html) is picking up large temperature spikes and he doesn't know what it is.  Theories are:

a) another feature erupting (Whirligig?)
b) major eruptions of Constant that put out much more hot water
c) a ground squirrel sitting on the thermistor (I completely made this one up)

 In the attached graph, you can see the temperature spike at about 1500 on July 29, 2013.  There is a Geysertimes.org report of Whirligig Geyser at 2005 ie on July 29 from Craig Munson.

The thermistor is located under the boardwalk in the runoff channel of Constant.  The NPS logger closer to Constant Geyser's vent is apparently NOT showing these temperature spikes. Has anyone seen anything unusual out at Constant Geyser or have any other possible explanations?


Thanks,
Jake Young

P.S. We also discussed the possibility that the Steamboat thermistor is sitting "high and dry" after the July 31 major eruption.  They will have people on site mid-September that will check and reset the logger as needed.  Until then, reports of Steamboat minors would be appreciated to verify logger measurements.
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