Known as the Nyland Geyser, it is the only moving geyser in the world. Some describe it as a bubbling puddle of mud, often referring to it as a mud boiler.
Sean Rizzutto of Caltrans says the geyser emits CO2. It has existed since 1953. But its movement began only in 2016 due to some seismic activity in the area.
“On average, it moves about 3 meters a month,” Rizzutto said.
He said the challenge is to determine where he will go next.
Caltrans officials considered several options, including a detour, which was not ideal because it would distract drivers 80 miles, and 111 is critical to an agricultural business.
Instead, a temporary road was built parallel to Road 111.
Sheet pile walls were also built, as well as an underground drainage system to help control water emissions, which some scientists estimate at about 40,000 gallons per day.
“With so much water, it creates a rapid liquefaction zone from the surface to a depth of 15 meters,” Rizzutto said.
First he moved southeast, then continued south.
Caltrans said there is no danger to motorists, but keep in mind that this is not a tourist attraction. The area around the geyser is closed.
Nevertheless, it attracted the interest of many, including geologists.
The source of the geyser is located in the southern part of the San Andreas Fault, on the border between the North American and Pacific tectonic plates.
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Natural catastrophe
