Oblong Geyser was named for the shape of its large oblong shaped pool. While technically a fountain-type geyser, Oblongs eruptions can't really be classified as bursting type eruptions. The eruptions are more like a very large and heavy boiling that covers the pool and raises the water in surges of 25 feet or more. Oblong is a major geyser. It is not too tall, usually the maximum height is around 25 feet but in exceptional eruptions it has reached 50 feet. What makes it a major geyser is the amount of water it puts out during its 5 minute eruption. Because the water flows almost directly into the Firehole river, it is not possible to measure the amount of water expelled during an eruption but it is estimated at over 10,000 gallons. That is a little more water than is expelled during a large eruption of Old Faithful. Yellowstone National Park is a national park located primarily in the state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho. Photographed by Frank J. Haynes, no date.
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Album / Science Source / NPS Photo/Frank J. Haynes