What happens beneath Yellowstone is vast and varied. One of the most interesting geological phenomena found here is hydrothermal explosions. While they may not have a timetable like some of the iconic geysers, or the breathtaking colors of some pools, 2024’s sky-high event at Biscuit Basin put hydrothermal explosions on the map.

Reading about this unpredictable encounter got me thinking: what are the underlying forces behind hydrothermal explosions? Is the caldera waking up? How are they studied? Luckily, our guest will explain all that and more!

Joining us is Dr. Mike Poland, a research geophysicist and the current Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory with the United States Geological Survey. His area of expertise is volcano geodesy, which emphasizes the surface deformation and gravity fields associated with volcanic activity, but he also knows a heck of a lot about hydrothermal explosions and other exciting geological activities in Yellowstone.

He’ll also share a few of his favorite spots in the park to check out rock formations, thermal features, and beyond.

Let’s dive in and learn more about why Yellowstone is a blast!

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Caldera Chronicles

> Black Diamond Pool Explosion Video

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > USGS/Joshua Sells

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What would Greater Yellowstone be like without the grizzly bear? Once upon a time, we were close to answering that question. Today, these grizzly bears represent one of the greatest conservation success stories. Going forward, we want to make sure that grizzlies can continue to thrive on the landscape long into the future.

In Greater Yellowstone, figuring out the next steps in grizzly bear conservation and management is a complex issue. There isn’t consensus on how best to manage grizzlies, and in this conversation you’ll have a better understanding of why it’s so complicated. On this podcast episode, we’ll dive in the history of grizzly bear conservation in Greater Yellowstone and chat about what’s happening in the grizzly bear space today.

Joining us on the podcast is GYC's wildlife program manager Brooke Shifrin, who you may recognize from episode 2 on grizzly bears. Brooke focuses her work on grizzly bear policy and conservation strategies to ensure grizzlies are successful in the ecosystem while also keeping people safe and livelihoods intact.

As of January 8, 2025 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces Northern Rockies grizzly bears to remain protected by Endangered Species Act

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Support the show

Bats elicit many emotions from us – fear, intrigue, aversion, adoration. These pint-sized flyers often go unnoticed, yet they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

From their incredibly unique adaptations to their contributions to pest control, bats are truly nature’s unsung heroes.

In Part 2, we’re joined again by Dr. Riley Bernard, an applied wildlife ecologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Bernard’s research focuses on the ecology and behavior of cryptic species, including bats, on topics such as foraging, competition, invasive species interactions, the effects of disease on community structure, species susceptibility, and survival.

We’ll talk about the threats like white-nose syndrome and wind farms that spell out trouble for our beloved bats, some myths Dr. Bernard dispels for us, where to view bats in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and what people can do to support bat populations.

The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is the land of 49+ Indigenous Tribes who maintain current and ancestral connections to the lands, waters, wildlife, plants, and more.

Voices of Greater Yellowstone was created by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, a conservation nonprofit dedicated to working with people to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations.

> Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

> Join our Online Community and Receive Two FREE Stickers!

> Donate to the Greater Yellowstone Coalition

> Dr. Bernard's Lab

> Bat Houses

Podcast Artwork > Rachel Dunlap Art

Music >
Redwood Trail by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Thumbnail Photo > Dr. Riley Bernard

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