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Yellowstone’s Thermal Features

Despite the relatively serene nature of Yellowstone’s surroundings today, the area in which the Park is located has undergone extremely violent periods of volcanic activity over the past million years. 

From the perspective of our existence, this may seem extremely long, but Yellowstone’s present landscape provides ample evidence of its hot and molten past! A little understanding of Yellowstone’s geological history reveals a fascinating set of circumstances that has led to the composition of some of the Park’s most unique and bizarre, but magnificent features.

Yellowstone’s Fiery and Molten Past

Yellowstone's famous thermal features are the product of millions of years of geologic activity. Much of Yellowstone sits inside an ancient volcanic caldera (the exploded crater of a volcano). The last major caldera forming eruption occurred 600,000 years ago. For the hundreds of thousands of years following this eruption, successive lava flows have slowly filled in most of the caldera. 

Even now, in some areas within Yellowstone, nearly molten rock resides at a depth of just between two to five miles below the surface of the earth! Heat from the volcanic activity that still occurs below ground makes its presence known by heating ground water and creating the thermal features that are so evident today.

Over 10,000 Thermal Features in Yellowstone

More than 10,000 thermal features, including brilliantly colored hot springs and geothermal pools, bubbling mudpots, steaming fumaroles and explosive spurting geysers can be found in Yellowstone National Park. Each of these thermal features provides evidence of the many and varied ways in which the tumultuous volcanic activity of the past still leaves its mark today.
 

Yellowstone is home to half of the entire earth’s geothermal features, and its over 300 geysers make up two thirds of all those found on earth! Because of their relative rarity, the natural wonder and magic associated with these unique features makes Yellowstone a favorite destination for nature lovers and for those who become fascinated by the unusual sights, smells, sounds and textures that Yellowstone has to offer.

The four basic types of thermal features that can be found in Yellowstone are

• Geysers
• Hot springs
• Fumaroles
• Mudpots.

Many of these are concentrated in Yellowstone's major geyser basins: Upper, Midway, Lower, Norris, West Thumb, Shoshone and Heart Lake.

Yellowstone’s Thermal Wonders, Past and Present

Nowhere else in the world can geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles be found in such quantity and variety as in Yellowstone! Over 75 per cent of the world's geysers, including the worlds largest can be found here in seven major basins.

Steamboat, the world's tallest active geyser, can be found in the Norris Geyser Basin. Old Faithful, Grand, Castle, Giantess, Beehive, and Lion geysers can be viewed with fascination in the Upper Geyser Basin. For other major geysers in the Old Faithful and Norris geyser basins, eruption frequencies, durations, and heights change fairly often, especially in response to seismic activity.
 

Park visitors can check for the most current information about specific geyser behavior patterns at the Old Faithful Visitor Center or at the Norris Museum.

Some Final Words of Caution

Bathing can make you sick
Enjoy the beauty, but do not go in!
 

Yellowstone’s hot springs and pools are home to a great variety of unusual types of algae, bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, many springs and pools found in the Park are extremely hot, acidic or very alkaline. Only a small number are neutral.
 

The effects of some types of warm water bacteria and fungi, if swallowed or contracted through open cuts or the skin are known to be harmful to humans. One type of organism is known to cause childhood meningitis.
For these reasons of safety and protection, it is illegal to swim, bathe or soak in any thermal spring or pool in Yellowstone!
 

Careful where you step...
 

Caution is advised anytime of the year. Don't approach or short cut through geyser basins after dark as there is a greater chance to accidentally slip or step into a hot spring.
 

Damming or altering the natural presence of any thermal features is prohibited. Do not put rocks, sticks or any other objects into thermal features.
 

Animals and Thermal Features
 

Elk, deer and bison often winter in geyser basins. Winter-killed animals provide an important food source for grizzly and black bears emerging from their winter dens.
 

Check at a ranger station before you go exploring, as some areas may be restricted.
 

Some people falsely believe that it is safe to follow a large animal’s tracks through geyser basins.

Unfortunately, many animals fall through the thin crust every year, so it is not advisable to assume safety in following their tracks. It is always best not to take chances.