Sitting atop a Super Volcano,Yellowstone National Park can be called as a wonderland on earth .
This unique and natural living museum cannot be compared to any other places in the world.
Extending between three states of United States, this natural splendor gives a glimpse of another
side of our planet . 96% of Yellowstone national park is situated in the north west corner of
Wyoming, three percent lies in Montana and the remaining one percent spread to Idaho.
This unique and natural living museum cannot be compared to any other places in the world.
Extending between three states of United States, this natural splendor gives a glimpse of another
side of our planet . 96% of Yellowstone national park is situated in the north west corner of
Wyoming, three percent lies in Montana and the remaining one percent spread to Idaho.
Yellowstone National Park is widely held to be the first national park and one of the first biosphere
reserves in the world. Yellowstone was dedicated as the nations first national park by President U.S.
Grant on March 1st 1872. It was formed 20 years before Montana, Idaho and Wyoming were
granted statehood. This is also a UNESCO world heritage site, extending in an area of 3500 sq- miles
of wilderness. The average elevation of the park is 8000 ft
Little is known about the early inhabitants of Yellowstone area. But evidence suggest that Native
Indians resided here after the end of the last glaciation (about 13,000 to 14,000 years ago). The
oldest artifacts (obsidian projectile point ) found here dates backs to to more than 11,000 years ago.
The early occupants of Yellowstone were called as Sheepeaters,( a group of Shoshone/Bannock Indians) .
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Prior to 1869, Yellowstone was an unexplored territory. John Colter , a member of Lewis Clark
expedition team (1804-1806) was the first person to discover Yellowstone park other than native
Indians.Three major expeditions brought out the wonders of Yellowstone to the outside world.
They are Cook-Folsom expedition (1869-1871),Washburn-Langford-Dane Expedition (1870) and
Hayden Geological Survey(1871). These expeditions brought out its historic and scientific
importance, which made Federal Government to adopt much stronger laws to protect the park and its
resources, culminating in the passing of Lacey Act of 1894 .
reserves in the world. Yellowstone was dedicated as the nations first national park by President U.S.
Grant on March 1st 1872. It was formed 20 years before Montana, Idaho and Wyoming were
granted statehood. This is also a UNESCO world heritage site, extending in an area of 3500 sq- miles
of wilderness. The average elevation of the park is 8000 ft
Little is known about the early inhabitants of Yellowstone area. But evidence suggest that Native
Indians resided here after the end of the last glaciation (about 13,000 to 14,000 years ago). The
oldest artifacts (obsidian projectile point ) found here dates backs to to more than 11,000 years ago.
The early occupants of Yellowstone were called as Sheepeaters,( a group of Shoshone/Bannock Indians) .
Prior to 1869, Yellowstone was an unexplored territory. John Colter , a member of Lewis Clark
expedition team (1804-1806) was the first person to discover Yellowstone park other than native
Indians.Three major expeditions brought out the wonders of Yellowstone to the outside world.
They are Cook-Folsom expedition (1869-1871),Washburn-Langford-Dane Expedition (1870) and
Hayden Geological Survey(1871). These expeditions brought out its historic and scientific
importance, which made Federal Government to adopt much stronger laws to protect the park and its
resources, culminating in the passing of Lacey Act of 1894 .
Yellowstone park rest on Yellowstone plateau bordered by Rocky mountains. The nearby mountain
ranges include the Gallatin range on Northeast, Beartooth mountans on north, Absaroke range on
east, Teton range on southwest and Madison on west. Mount Washburn with a height of 10, 243 ft
is the most prominent summit here. The Bunsen Peak near to Mammoth hot spring is an extinct
volcano formed approximately fifty million years ago.
Yellowstone park sits on a super volcano. A super volcano is formed when magma rises through a
vent into earths crust but unable to break through the crust. The magma get stuck and melts the
surrounding rocks. Over thousands of years the pressure builds up resulting in an eruption which
drains the magma lake . This lead to collapsing of the land above, resulting in a caldera or a
depression on earth . A Caldera can extends to several miles.
A supervolcano is the most dangerous type of volcano in earth. It will erupt at a magnitude 8 on theVolcano Explosivity Index (VEI), meaning the measured deposits for that eruption is greater than
1,000 cubic kilometers (240 cubic miles). An eruption of that magnitude would fill the atmosphere
with ash, sulfuric acid, and sulfur dioxide, and could potentially cause (and actually has, in the
ancient past) a new Ice Age.The more sulfur emissions the more cooling.
Yellowstone is the biggest super volcano on earth. The other famous super volcano's are Long
Valley Caldera ( California USA), Valles Caldera ( New Mexico), Lake Toba ( Indonesia), Taupo
Caldera ( Newzealand) and Aira Caldera ( Japan). The most recent supervolcanic eruption on Earthoccurred 27,000 years ago at Taupo, located at the center of New Zealand's north island.
Yellowstone’s main travel thoroughfares are the five entrance roads . North, North east and East
entrances are situated in the state of Montana while West and South entrances are in Wyoming .
entrances are situated in the state of Montana while West and South entrances are in Wyoming .
North Entrance is the only park entrance open to wheeled vehicles all year. Prior to the establishment
of the National Park Service, the U.S. Army protected Yellowstone between 1886 and 1918.
US army was also responsible for the construction of Fort Yellowstone at Mammoth Hot Springs .![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-3aOgwzowoSg/VjzDqPyHETI/AAAAAAAADZs/i9ym5oo3B20/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG)
of the National Park Service, the U.S. Army protected Yellowstone between 1886 and 1918.
US army was also responsible for the construction of Fort Yellowstone at Mammoth Hot Springs .
Most of the attractions at Yellowstone National park are located along the Grand loop road, which
stretches in the shape of number eight. The grand loop road was planned by Captain Hiram M
Chittenden of the US Army Corps of Engineers when it was under military control . This primary
road system at Yellowstone is approximately 142 miles long with an average speed limit of 45 mph.
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On the Grand Loop road ,there are many visitor centers, museums, boardwalks, and scenic side
roads. The park also has 466 miles of roads, 950 miles of back country trails, 97 trail heads, and 287
back country campsites. The major attractions that can be accessed through Grand Loop Road
include Norris Geyser basin, Upper, Midway and Lower geyser basin, Mammoth hot spring,
Tower fall, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lake Yellowstone. The major museums are
Norris, Madison and Fishing Bridge Museum
stretches in the shape of number eight. The grand loop road was planned by Captain Hiram M
Chittenden of the US Army Corps of Engineers when it was under military control . This primary
road system at Yellowstone is approximately 142 miles long with an average speed limit of 45 mph.
On the Grand Loop road ,there are many visitor centers, museums, boardwalks, and scenic side
roads. The park also has 466 miles of roads, 950 miles of back country trails, 97 trail heads, and 287
back country campsites. The major attractions that can be accessed through Grand Loop Road
include Norris Geyser basin, Upper, Midway and Lower geyser basin, Mammoth hot spring,
Tower fall, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Lake Yellowstone. The major museums are
Norris, Madison and Fishing Bridge Museum
The number of thermal features in Yellowstone is estimated to be 10,000. It includes geyser,
fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Fumaroles or steam vents, are the hottest hydro thermal
feature in the park. In 1880's at places like Roaring Mountain the escaping gas and steam hissed and
rumbled resulting in loud hissing of steam and gases. Steam vents are usually found on hill side or
higher ground above the basin water supply. Fumaroles rapidly boil away the little water they
contain releasing steam and other gases forcefully from the underground.
Geysers at the park are distributed among nine geyser basin . The number of geysers in each geyser
basin is provided in brackets. The basins are Upper Geyser Basin (410), Midway Geyser Basin (59),
Lower Geyser Basin (283), Norris Geyser Basin (193), West Thumb Geyser Basin (84), Gibbon
Geyser Basin (24), Lone Star Geyser Basin (21), Shoshone Geyser Basin (107), Heart Lake Geyser
Basin (69), other areas (33). The most famous geyser at Yellowstone is the Old Faithful. The tallest
geyser in the world, known as steam boat geyser, is also located at Yellowstone park.
Beautiful hotsprings with bright and vivid colors are are the most common hydrothermal features in
the park. Their plumbing has no constrictions. Superheated water cools as it reaches the surface,
sinks, and is replaced by hotter water from below. This circulation, called convection, prevents water
from reaching the temperature needed to set off an eruption. Many hot springs give rise to streams of heated water.
Mudpots such as Fountain Paint pots are acidic hot springs with a limited water supply. Some micro
organisms use hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), which rises from deep within the earth, as an
energy source. They convert the gas into sulfuric acid which breaks down the rock into clay.
Another thermal feature, Travertine Terraces formed of limestone can be seen at Mammoth hot
spring. Thermal waters rise through the limestone here, carrying high amounts of dissolved
carbonate. Carbondioxide is released at the surface and calcium carbonate is deposited as travertine,
the chalky white rock of the terraces.These features constantly and quickly change due to the rapid rate of deposition.
There exist nearly 45 named waterfalls and more than 100's of unnamed and undiscovered waterfalls
in the park. The most famous ones are Tower falls, Lower falls, Upper falls, Fairy Falls and Gibbon
Falls. Yellowstone is also famous for its amazing canyons. The famous among them are Lewis
Canyon, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Black canyon .Yellowstone carries approximately
one-half of the world’s hydro thermal features.
The national park derived its name from the Yellowstone river flowing through it. The other major
rivers flowing through the park are Gallatin River,Gibbon River, Firehole River, Madison river,
Snake River, Bechler River and Lamar River. The amazing fact is that due to the continental divide,
Yellowstone river joins Atlantic ocean while Snake river join Pacific ocean though both run parallel
at Yellowstone National park. The major lakes at the park are Yellowstone Lake, Shoshone Lake,
Lewis Lake, Heart lake,Grebe Lake,Isa Lake,and Trout Lake .![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Osj0zWJBeE/VjzWjVy49RI/AAAAAAAADa8/NuCkIXqJovg/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG)
Yellowstone is home to more than 1,350 species of vascular plants, 330 bird species, 18 fish species,
6 reptile species, 4 amphibian species, and 5 endangered or threatened species. There are almost 60
species of mammals in the park, including the grey wolf, threatened Lynx, grizzly bears, bison, black
bear, brown bear, elk, moose, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountian goat, pronghorn, bighorn sheep
and mountain lion.
Yellowstone has the largest free roaming bison herd in the world. Bison have a unique place in
United States history. This largest mammal in North America once thundered across the continent for
thousand of years. The elements of the the Yellowstone emblem with the shape of an Arrowhead
symbolize the major facets of the national park system. The Sequoia tree and bison represent
vegetation and wildlife, the mountains and water represent scenic and recreational values, and the
arrowhead represents historical and archaeological values.
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Yellowstone National Park is really a magical world comprised of lakes, mountains, geysers,
and waterfalls. It is a land of extremes with full of wild life. Here forest covers 80% of the
land area while lodgepole pine comprise 80% of the forest area. Lodgepole pine create a typical
landscape in Yellowstone.Other than enjoying the natural wonders, visitors can also indulge in
activities like Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding,
Mountain Biking and Wildlife Viewing.
Yellowstone super volcano is believed to erupt every 600,000 to 900,000 years with the last event
occurring 640,000 years ago. Its eruptions are among the largest known to have ever occurred on
Earth, producing drastic climate change in the aftermath. Yellowstone faces nearly 1000 to 3000
earthquake annually.
Toxic gases exist in Yellowstone. Dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide have
been measured in some hydrothermal areas. It is illegal to collect any natural or cultural objects or to
remove, deface, or destroy any plant, animal, or mineral in Yellowstone's hydrothermal areas. While
viewing or photographing the area, protect your camera, glasses, and lenses from hydrothermal heat.
Always use boardwalk as the ground here is fragile and unstable which can cause danger. Bring
drinking water. If you feel sick, leave the location immediately.
fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Fumaroles or steam vents, are the hottest hydro thermal
feature in the park. In 1880's at places like Roaring Mountain the escaping gas and steam hissed and
rumbled resulting in loud hissing of steam and gases. Steam vents are usually found on hill side or
higher ground above the basin water supply. Fumaroles rapidly boil away the little water they
contain releasing steam and other gases forcefully from the underground.
Geysers at the park are distributed among nine geyser basin . The number of geysers in each geyser
basin is provided in brackets. The basins are Upper Geyser Basin (410), Midway Geyser Basin (59),
Lower Geyser Basin (283), Norris Geyser Basin (193), West Thumb Geyser Basin (84), Gibbon
Geyser Basin (24), Lone Star Geyser Basin (21), Shoshone Geyser Basin (107), Heart Lake Geyser
Basin (69), other areas (33). The most famous geyser at Yellowstone is the Old Faithful. The tallest
geyser in the world, known as steam boat geyser, is also located at Yellowstone park.
Beautiful hotsprings with bright and vivid colors are are the most common hydrothermal features in
the park. Their plumbing has no constrictions. Superheated water cools as it reaches the surface,
sinks, and is replaced by hotter water from below. This circulation, called convection, prevents water
from reaching the temperature needed to set off an eruption. Many hot springs give rise to streams of heated water.
Mudpots such as Fountain Paint pots are acidic hot springs with a limited water supply. Some micro
organisms use hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), which rises from deep within the earth, as an
energy source. They convert the gas into sulfuric acid which breaks down the rock into clay.
Another thermal feature, Travertine Terraces formed of limestone can be seen at Mammoth hot
spring. Thermal waters rise through the limestone here, carrying high amounts of dissolved
carbonate. Carbondioxide is released at the surface and calcium carbonate is deposited as travertine,
the chalky white rock of the terraces.These features constantly and quickly change due to the rapid rate of deposition.
There exist nearly 45 named waterfalls and more than 100's of unnamed and undiscovered waterfalls
in the park. The most famous ones are Tower falls, Lower falls, Upper falls, Fairy Falls and Gibbon
Falls. Yellowstone is also famous for its amazing canyons. The famous among them are Lewis
Canyon, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Black canyon .Yellowstone carries approximately
one-half of the world’s hydro thermal features.
The national park derived its name from the Yellowstone river flowing through it. The other major
rivers flowing through the park are Gallatin River,Gibbon River, Firehole River, Madison river,
Snake River, Bechler River and Lamar River. The amazing fact is that due to the continental divide,
Yellowstone river joins Atlantic ocean while Snake river join Pacific ocean though both run parallel
at Yellowstone National park. The major lakes at the park are Yellowstone Lake, Shoshone Lake,
Lewis Lake, Heart lake,Grebe Lake,Isa Lake,and Trout Lake .
Yellowstone is home to more than 1,350 species of vascular plants, 330 bird species, 18 fish species,
6 reptile species, 4 amphibian species, and 5 endangered or threatened species. There are almost 60
species of mammals in the park, including the grey wolf, threatened Lynx, grizzly bears, bison, black
bear, brown bear, elk, moose, mule deer, white tailed deer, mountian goat, pronghorn, bighorn sheep
and mountain lion.
Yellowstone has the largest free roaming bison herd in the world. Bison have a unique place in
United States history. This largest mammal in North America once thundered across the continent for
thousand of years. The elements of the the Yellowstone emblem with the shape of an Arrowhead
symbolize the major facets of the national park system. The Sequoia tree and bison represent
vegetation and wildlife, the mountains and water represent scenic and recreational values, and the
arrowhead represents historical and archaeological values.
Yellowstone National Park is really a magical world comprised of lakes, mountains, geysers,
and waterfalls. It is a land of extremes with full of wild life. Here forest covers 80% of the
land area while lodgepole pine comprise 80% of the forest area. Lodgepole pine create a typical
landscape in Yellowstone.Other than enjoying the natural wonders, visitors can also indulge in
activities like Boating, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding,
Mountain Biking and Wildlife Viewing.
Yellowstone super volcano is believed to erupt every 600,000 to 900,000 years with the last event
occurring 640,000 years ago. Its eruptions are among the largest known to have ever occurred on
Earth, producing drastic climate change in the aftermath. Yellowstone faces nearly 1000 to 3000
earthquake annually.
Toxic gases exist in Yellowstone. Dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide have
been measured in some hydrothermal areas. It is illegal to collect any natural or cultural objects or to
remove, deface, or destroy any plant, animal, or mineral in Yellowstone's hydrothermal areas. While
viewing or photographing the area, protect your camera, glasses, and lenses from hydrothermal heat.
Always use boardwalk as the ground here is fragile and unstable which can cause danger. Bring
drinking water. If you feel sick, leave the location immediately.
Yellowstone host four million visitors each year. This National Park is America's pride and greatest
heritage to share with the world . It is one of the few remaining intact large ecosystems in the
northern temperate zone of earth. The park has abundant fossils and is world's foremost sites for the
study and appreciation of the evolutionary history of the earth. This outstanding natural and cultural
site deserve the attraction, admiration and protection of all people worldwide.
Management: National Park Service
Phone:(307) 344-7381
Camera: Canon T5