[Geysers] Dwarfs

[Ralph Taylor]

Here’s my two cents worth.  I watched this area for at least 20 years, the last 15 of those at least weekly for several months.  In my experience, not only were different vents active on different years, but some of the vents filled in and were not noticeable while others broke out.  One that was particularly interesting was the so-called “Red Dwarf” that used to complete a full cycle of activity (fill, erupt, drain) in less than one minute.  That was in the late 90s.  The last time I looked the vent was no longer easily distinguished from the other holes in the area.  I agree with Micah and Lee that names are not a good idea.

 

 

From: geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Udo Freund
Sent: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 11:44 AM
To: 'Geyser Observation Reports'
Subject: Re: [Geysers] Dwarfs

 

I’ll play devil’s advocate, just for giggles.

 

First, define “semblance of permanency” and “long-term-existence”.

 

Second, a feature or features have been continuously active in that area since 1972 according to every edition of Scott’s book. That’s certainly a semblance of permanency IMO. Of course, the problem here is that without them being named we don’t know which hole or more than one hole has been active since 1972.

 

Third, we all know that many geysers get active or go dormant for some period of time. Names seem to be applied arbitrarily, some to features that no longer exist. Semi-Centennial and Gibbon Hill come to mind as examples. Others were active for one year in our lifetime, ex: Fantail.

 

So what’s the big deal with not wanting to name these? Is it because they are little? Tiny and Anthill are among many small features that have names and have a history of inactivity. I advocate naming the Dwarfs, at the very least informally, so we know which ones we’re discussing and recording for history.

 

Thanks, 
Udo Freund 
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."  --Will Rogers

 

 

 

From: geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu [mailto:geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Whittlesey, Lee
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2014 7:50 AM
To: Geyser Observation Reports
Subject: Re: [Geysers] Dwarfs

 

I agree completely with Micah Kipple about the naming of features that are likely to disappear. Let's wait until there is some semblance of permanency or at least long-term existence.

 

Lee Whittlesey

 

On Fri, Dec 12, 2014 at 1:36 PM, Micah Kipple <godsfireworks at yahoo.com> wrote:

It has been my understanding in my relatively few years of gazing that the naming of the "Dwarfs" has been avoided simply due to the amount of changing activity in the area. Vents break out and get re-sintered over every year. While the current "Dwarf" erupting 90% of the time has shown that it's definitely more "stable" than the other vents in the complex. I would not put my chips down as to whether that would remain the case, the same goes for the Dwarf seen erupting near the boardwalk. Thus I agree that we should refrain from naming individual vents when they could be gone within a year. 

 

Just my thoughts on the matter

 

Micah Kipple 
Enjoy the Little Things! 


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