The Niland Geyser
The only moving geyser in the world

A remarkable mud pot located around five miles northwest of Niland, California has defied conventional geological behavior by being on the move. This highly unusual phenomenon first emerged in 1953 as a typical stationary mud pot but began an unprecedented westward journey around 2007.

Initially progressing slowly, the mud pot's movement accelerated, by April 2018, it had traveled 280 feet from its original site, disrupting infrastructure along the way.

Overcoming Obstacles

The relentless mud pot plowed through a 75-foot deep metal barrier erected by Union Pacific Railroad in an attempt to halt its advance, destroying the tracks. Its path also forced the relocation of Verizon's fiber optic cables, which had to be elevated on poles to span the water it produced.

The Niland Geyser in October, 2018 (UPRR Photo)

Photo 11/14/2018

To avoid the encroaching mud pot, a new section of Highway 111 was constructed 100 feet to the west, while the old highway now is being undercut by the water. As part of the $11.7 million Niland Geyser Mitigation Project, Kinder Morgan relocated a 20-inch gas line, five fiber optic lines, and one phone line away from the mud pot's path.

A Unique Geological Wonder

Unlike typical stationary mud pots heated by the Earth's interior, the Niland Geyser is not particularly hot, measuring only about 80°F. However, it emits a staggering 40,000 gallons of water per day, far more than a typical mud pot, leading experts to classify it as a mud spring.

Now starting to undermine old Hwy 111 the fiber optic cables have been elevated Photo 4/2024

As of April 2024, the mud pot presses against the old Highway 111, with a secondary hole opening up between it and the relocated railroad tracks. Boiling up carbon dioxide, it poses a hazardous risk of asphyxiation to anyone falling in, while the hydrogen sulfide in the water attracts horseflies and produces an unpleasant odor.

The Niland Geyser's remarkable westward march continues at a slower pace, having already forced the relocation of railroad tracks to the east and Highway 111 to the west. This unique geological wonder captivates scientists and locals alike as it defies attempts to divert its path, providing insights into the dynamics of mud springs and their interactions with the surrounding environment.

New Video April 2024