World's Only Moving Geyser and its Path of Destruction - Visiting the Niland Geyser
Just north of Niland, California is the Niland Geyser, an oddity of science believed to be the world's only moving mud pot or mud volcano. Near the Salton Sea, where Niland is located, mud pots or geysers aren't very out of the ordinary, but this one is.
The Niland Geyser first appeared in a field in 1953, and there it stayed for over 60 years, until, for some reason, it started moving around 2015. At first the geyser only moved by about 20 feet per year, then it sped up. In its path was a rail line, then California State Route 111.
Despite their best efforts, the railroad was unable to stop the Niland Geyser from destroying the train tracks in 2019, and now it has reached Highway 111.
In this video we travel to the Niland Geyser to take a look at it's current position and the state of the road.
For more on the science of the Niland Geyser, check out this great video by Physics Girl: • World's Only Moving Mu...
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Пікірлер: 656
The very definition of a sidetrack adventure.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
I didn't even think of that while we were out there. Kicking myself now.
@TheStuport
8 ай бұрын
Nailed It John! Salute
@polyrhythmia
8 ай бұрын
You could call the relocated track a "shoofly"...
@maxwalsh234
8 ай бұрын
the definition of a waste of taxpayer dollars. road infrastructure is costly and inefficient
@kansascityshuffle8526
8 ай бұрын
Mother Nature’s etch a sketch.
The fact that scientists don't know why this is happening tells you how much more humans need to learn about this world. Keep at it scientists.
@williammerkel1410
8 ай бұрын
Volcanology is one of the most difficult fields of study in the natural world, it is very hard to overstate the complexities and uncertainties that go on deep underground
@Skylancer727
8 ай бұрын
Well it is trying to understand what's happening through the opaque ground beneath us, possibly a few miles deep even. The best we can do is speculate or make small simulations, but these will never perfectly fit what exactly we're looking at.
@Mr_Wolfkin
8 ай бұрын
I dunno why but I read that final sentence in a Cave Johnson voice
@denyscpoyner
8 ай бұрын
At the same time blaming man for too much CO2 emissions. Volcanic activity doesn't factor in to their sudo science.
@MrMarkOlson
8 ай бұрын
@@denyscpoyner I think you mean "pseudo". Ignorance will only ruin the world for future generations. Always err on the side of caution.
I never comment on KZread videos, but I wanted to say thank you for posting this. I went through Niland in July, and commented at the time how it was odd they were diverting traffic around what looked to be an old highway. I love abandoned things, and I have an inextinguishable quest for knowledge. I wouldn’t have thought to google why they did this on such a remote stretch of highway, nor how to translate that into a google-able question. Thank you for satisfying this three month old question, and for giving me new information to be excited about. Keep up the great work!
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Glad I could be of help.
@00Mandy00
8 ай бұрын
You should comment, it helps creators.
@magvs_mæstro216
7 ай бұрын
Dope profile pic @jyzo
@magvs_mæstro216
7 ай бұрын
@@00Mandy00good point
@Myshowbro
6 ай бұрын
They should have thought to pump it out!
I had no idea that was out there. That whole area is subject to lots of earthquakes. A work friend many years ago had extensive damage to her home in El Centro. Thanks for always finding something new and interesting for us. The research you do makes a big difference.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate it.
@pauldietz1325
8 ай бұрын
There's also a (non-mud) volcano in the Salton Sea not far from there, with an island made of obsidian. It could erupt again at any time. In the meantime, the heat is driving this mud pot, and also powering some geothermal generating facilities not far from there.
@Corn-Pop.
6 ай бұрын
My wife's family is from El Centro. I haven't been there in years.
I love how Steve finds all these weird and wonderful places that are on no tourist's itinerary, but now I want to go and see so many of them for myself. If the Salton Sea isn't strange enough for you, then there's a wandering mud geyser just down the road. 🤣
Nature always wins because she has unlimited time on her side.
There’s a state highway near me that was completely normal for decades before one year (early 2000s) suddenly a natural spring of water appeared in the middle of one lane. It was summer when it happened, and it was on a hill. I remember the water coming out of cracks in the pavement and running down the road to the bottom of the hill and off into the ditch. So far, no big deal. But then winter came, and the water kept flowing after everything else froze. So now you had ice everywhere on a hill! The highway crews had to keep it well salted for safety. Then the pavement started to break apart. The next spring they started working on it, they paved over it but the water came through again. The road got pretty rough for a while. Finally they dug down and installed drain pipes leading into the road ditch and then covered the spring with lots of stone and finally gravel and pavement, and it hasn’t disturbed the road since, but the water still flows out from beneath the highway. I couldn’t help think of that when I saw this video, which was very interesting. Thank you!
I've been up and down that highway a few times recently and noticed the detour through the area, but never knew what it's for. That's crazy what mother nature can do!!! Thanks for all the info and great visuals.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
You're welcome.
I haven’t spent any quality time in that area in a decade or so. I’ve been to Niland and environs to see the mud pots but it was nothing like you are showing. What an incredible sight!
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
I tried to get out to some of the other mud pots but wasn't able to get to the ones I wanted to because of some road closures.
Thank you so much for mentioning Physics Girl! She's been suffering terribly from long COVID, so getting her videos views will help fund her care.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
I'm sure whatever I send her way is just a drop in the bucket, but what's happening to her is so awful. I check her channel from time to time hoping to see an update that things are improving. Its such a scary situation.
@crunchycrispybacon
8 ай бұрын
Suffering from ‘long covid’. Lol what BS.
@ClumsyCars
8 ай бұрын
@@crunchycrispybaconweird way to spell experimental vaccine isn't it?
@dovesfan1
4 ай бұрын
Hope she gets better soon, seems like a nice girl. However, yeh, 'long covid' is utter nonsense
@SunnyWu
3 ай бұрын
Post COVID syndrome is a pain in the butt. I've been dealing with it for 3 month at this point. Not only is my memory still not working properly, I've been having auto-immune responses like rashes that isn't responding to typical treatments...
Robert Oppenheimer: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” Niland Geyser: "Now I am become the Mother of all potholes, the destroyer of highways."
That was fascinating. You should make this an annual trip, just to keep us updated!
The Salton Sea is such a weird place. I'll have to add the mud volcano to my next visit.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
It will be interesting to see how far it goes.
Horseflies have been around the Salton Sea as long as I can remember. As a kid in the 60's we used to go fishing there for Corvina. Even then they were everywhere and their bite hurts.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Yeah, I was getting eaten up because I was trying to talk and film without jumping all over the place. Meanwhile my wife was running a marathon to avoid them.
@RadioReprised
8 ай бұрын
They are smart too!...in Bombay they would wait until you were busy and fly around the house and approach you from the back to get a bite in! I never thought an insect could think like that.@@SidetrackAdventures
@AndyDrake-FOOKYT
7 ай бұрын
@@RadioReprisedthese are the reason I have a ponytail...not style, but function. It's too hot and humid here to wear a shirt. It just gets soaked and attracts even more and they can often bite through it.
Another great vid, Steve! Appreciate your explorations and insights. Stay safe on your travels!
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thank you!
Thanks for the update! It's been over a year since I last saw and up to date video about the mud volcano. Nature is awesome.
You beat me to it! I've got a trip planned to check this out. Great video
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Hopefully it moves it a little more and takes out the road a little more before you get out here. It's going to look pretty crazy when its right in the middle of the highway.
Look at this area on Google Earth, and you'll see that the whole Salton Sea area is just an extension of the Gulf of California.
@eLiV8t
3 ай бұрын
I imagine it goes all the way up to death Valley. Water has collected there recently and it's salt water also.
You learn something new every day. I'm 67. I've known about ice for decades. But I just found out it can freeze against gravity, and form an "ice spike".
I remember hearing about this back when the railroad thing came up. There's a video of them putting those piles in that you were talking about but then I forgot about it so this was an awesome reminder that it was still going.
How does a mud pot move? And why is it targeting roads & railroads? This is right out of the Star Trek Next Generation episode when Armus, the evil tarpit monster, offs Tasha Yar.
@SpanishEclectic
8 ай бұрын
Worst.episode.ever.
@dimitriosfotopoulos3689
8 ай бұрын
@@Ayn-Rand-Is-Dead Agreed. As bad as that episode was, there were worse.
@SpanishEclectic
8 ай бұрын
@@dimitriosfotopoulos3689 LOL. But I really, really hate that one. :D
@dimitriosfotopoulos3689
8 ай бұрын
@@SpanishEclectic Agreed, lol.
@beetlebob4675
8 ай бұрын
Best. Comment. Here.😂
Another excellent, informative episode. Thanks Steve (and family)!
I have had to do Service calls from our shop in San Diego out the the Geo-thermal power plant in Niland on several occasions over the course of my career. That whole area is one great big giant Enigma. Just wondering also if you are ever going to go a bit North East of Salton Sea and travel through Sand-stone Canyon area ?? There’s some really cool views all around on the drive through as long as the road hasn’t been washed out by flash floods , and as you exit the Far East end of road it literally brings you to the South entrance of Joshua Tree State park once you cross bridge over highway 10 . Thanks for all you post for us Steve , enjoyed this one as usual 😎👍
Thank you so much for taking time to make this video!
Man I've read about this years ago glad to see an update. Thanks for the quality content !
While you were there I hope you also saw the mud pots. Thanks again Steve. I always look forward to your adventures!
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Now that was interesting! No idea why YT recommended this to me, but I am sure glad it did! There are forces of nature we cannot control, just like the pending eruption in Iceland or the lava flows in La Palma or Hawaii. Thanks for sharing!
Thx for posting!! I am knowledgeable about most places in SoCal but over the years I somehow missed this place. Nice research and videos..keep em coming!
Well done as always!!! thx
In the '90s, I had a couple projects in the El Centro area, driving there from Central Cal. I took both roads (east and west side of Salton Sea). It's nature's way to address issues involving groundwater chemistry and pressure differences. In the early new year, Riverside County Fair in Indio is a fun and informative venue, too!
Thanks for the great video. I had just watched a short video that made me curious but told me nothing, you explained this really well.
This was gnarly to learn about Steve. Let me also say how much I appreciate your notes in your message which I always read before I even begin to watch your videos! The research you add in your notes really helps when you begin the Tours and being able to go watch The Physics Girl's video was an even bigger help! What I enjoy with your version Steve is you keep it simple so a knucklehead like me can understand and get a grasp on what is going on. I have no doubt that those Horseflies were ginormous and annoying! Hoping that the theory that the Geyser stops moving once it is over the source pans out! Talk about moving a highway and RR Tracks and all that $$$ needed to do so too! Cheers and MOO From COW-lumbus, Ohio 👋
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thanks. I wonder if it would have been cheaper just to build a bridge over it?
@ehsnils
8 ай бұрын
Also be aware that Physics Girl got severely struck by Covid-19 and hasn't recovered yet.
Thanks for all the interesting and sometimes odd things you share. I like to see all your posts, keep educating us.
Excellent video, thank you!
Interesting. Thank you for showing us this incredible oddity!
Was next door in Anza Borrego a couple months ago and can attest to how crazy aggressive those horseflies were!
You have shown us some really amazing things on your channel, but holy cats this the the coolest thing ever! Lots of fun info! This is definitely a must-see whenever I get back to LA.
*Another great video, keep up the great work I really enjoy watching your content!*
Thanks, Steve. That was fascinating. You always have such interesting videos.
Seen before! Appreciate update!
I don't know how you find these oddities in my state, but I love it! Keep it up!
thanks for the update :)
I remember hearing about this years ago, thanks for the update
Thanks for posting this, very interesting. Had no idea this existed. Wonder if anyone has calculated the amount of Co2 and what sounded like hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), it could be other sulfides as well. On another note, you mentioned falling in and the Co2 killing you quickly. If you ever want to do a 'safe' experiment of this, buy some soda water in a 2liter plastic bottle, drain out or drink most of it. When you have like 10-20percent left, shake the bottle to release as much Co2 as possible. Put it to your lips and inhale as best you can. Might not believe how quickly your body goes into panic mode. I did this accidentally, thinking I'll inhale to collapse the bottle before tossing away. OMG, the shock of that experience was enlightening. You hear about people swimming into an old mine and when they come up for air on the inside, they gulp 'bad air' and quickly die. Well, this little experiment will give a tiny taste of how quickly this happens. If someone tries this, just be careful you don't fall over and hurt yourself. Obviously, if you any medical conditions, don't try at all.
@KuntryBoyCitySlick
8 ай бұрын
Thanks I did this, passed out and busted my head on the dining room table. I repeat don’t be an idiot like me. Please don’t do this. I’m considering filing charges against the guy that suggested it. Y’all should see what he done to me.
@TheInsultInvestor
8 ай бұрын
lolol@@KuntryBoyCitySlick
@generaldong-dong5635
8 ай бұрын
@@KuntryBoyCitySlick oh goodness! agreed.
@arandomcommenter412
6 ай бұрын
@@KuntryBoyCitySlickwomp womp
@petuniasevan
6 ай бұрын
When my family moved, we had bought some dry ice, put it in a trash can with lid, and used that to store our frozen meats while we moved 500 miles north. After we got there, I for some idiotic reason (probably being 16 years old had something to do with it) took the lid off and bent down and inhaled the sublimed CO2. Do.Not.Recommend. It was like inhaling soda straight from the bottle plus the added fun of the oxygen deprivation. 0/10 would not try again.
Very cool! Glad I found your channel!
Loved the background music. Have watched several of your videos since yestday. Enjoy watching them.
Great video. Really fun and interesting.
We are headed back to our winter place tomorrow that is probably 50 miles west of this. We never knew of this and perhaps we will check it out. Another great "local interest" video. Good job.
That's another good one Steve, thank you. David
Great story, Steve! Keep ‘em coming
Fascinating visit!!
Very cool and informative video, Steve! I had heard about this moving geyser several years ago and was intrigued by it then. Never went to it. Glad you made it out there and got close footage of it. When I read about it several years ago, I was under the impression that the state had blocked off access to it for obvious reasons. Looks like that’s no longer the cases if one is able to walk right up to it. But, as you mentioned, the increased level of carbon dioxide gas is a hazard, that’s for sure. Thanks for documenting this unique and destructive natural feature.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
I think it was blocked off when it was taking out the railroad, but nothing now. It will be something when it gets through the road and they have to scramble to rebuild it before it takes out the new alignment.
@AbandonedMines11
8 ай бұрын
@@SidetrackAdventures Yes, that’s what I remember - when the geyser was near the railroad tracks, it was made off limits. It definitely is something worth watching to see how long it continues its march across the desert. I like the information you gave in the video, however, when you said that the geyser will eventually stop moving once it’s in a direct line with its source underground. Great information!
Thank you. That was a great video. I likely would never heard about this if you hadn't made this video. So hats off to you. 😊
Thanks for another incredible video.
Another great video Steve!
Thank you Steve, these adventures are enriching as well as fascinating 👍🙏
Thank you so much for these videos. It's of particular interest to my husband and me because we live in Las Vegas, so should be able to check out some of these nearby interesting areas that we didn't even know existed! You do a great job! Thank you, thank you!!
Fascinating! Very nicely done! I really enjoyed watching it. Thank you.
Fascinating. Thanks.
I've heard of this but haven't seen this many shots of it before! Well made video thanks for sharing.
Good video, very interesting. thanks for sharing.
Oh good, the Padre hat is back. Your narration of these videos makes it really interesting. Just can’t wait till your next video.
Steve, Thank You Sir, Your expertise in history in all the spots you visit is amazing. Your wife must be a very understanding lady to have your back, traveling to all these places Thank You Both
Awesome Steve Thinking about checking it out this weekend. Another great video see ya next time 😊
Thank you for braving the horseflies to bring us this video. I didn't know this existed. What a great little sidetrack!
Title sounds like the potholes on Wegis Ave. Bakersfield in front of my house growing up in the 60s, 70s...not even a line in the road
I recently found your channel. I really appreciate your thorough and factual presentation of interesting places that I will probably never get to. Thanks from a new fan.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Nice update.
Thank you for another great history lesson. Love your videos
You find the best topics
Interesting, something I'd never heard of before. Thanks.
I have never heard of this happening. Thank you Steve for the information
I appreciate your videos.
Interesting as always
THANK YOU STEVE AND MSES FOR GRATE VIDEO AGAIN,,SAFE TRAVELS..
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thank you.
Very interesting Steve Thank you Joe. 😮
Thanks for the details . I've past by that area of Hwy 111 . Thanks STA
I'll always remember this geyser in a funny way, because a while ago I heard about it and noticed there wasn't a Wikipedia article for it yet, so I created one with just like one sentence then I get to come back and see what people grew it into.
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
That's pretty funny. There's a decent sized page there now.
Great video😊
Amazing. It's been 35yrs since I drove thru Niland.
Very interesting .I learn something on all these videos
Thank you for your service sir. Never heard about this.
Amazing site. Thank you.
In the railroad world, they call that a "shoo-fly" when they build the track out at an angle like that around an obstacle, most commonly when they are replacing a bridge
Fascinating! This is the first I've heard of this.
Wow that’s so interesting!!!
Great video!🙂
This is a very well made video, very informative and the landscapes you took was all beautiful. Thank you so much. Also is that Steve Vai in the background ☺️
Such a quaint oddity! The views from above really show what's going on :-)
I misread the title as the "World's Only Moving Oyster and its Path of Destruction" Glad I clicked anyway though. Very interesting video.
That was very interesting. I live in New Zealand (the islands east of australia). We have active volcanic mud pools in Rotorua (east of lake taupo, north island), they don't move like that.
Great video Steve
That was the strangest thing I have seen in a long time. Very interesting! Thanks for another great informative video, Steve!!
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it.
I am glad you got to chance to trek there on foot. I hope you made it home safely from your walk.
I always give your videos a thumbs up because they're so damn good! Entertaining, informative, and yes a nice sidetracked from reality! See you next time buddy!
Interesting as always!
@SidetrackAdventures
8 ай бұрын
Thank you.
This is so cool.
Nature always wins .. Thanks for sharing
great write up!!!
Cool video!