Ongoing Scientific Research

As one of the last, nearly intact temperate ecosystems on Earth, Yellowstone's natural processes operate in an ecological context that has been less subject to human alteration than others throughout the world. Yellowstone also has a rich history that includes an archeological record of more than 11,000 years of human use and modern history documenting the development of the national park idea. Scientists conduct research ranging from large studies of landscape-level changes affecting the local ecosystem to studies of tiny organisms that have the potential to change the lives of people beyond Yellowstone's boundaries. Their results also help inform management decisions.

For more information about Science and Research in Yellowstone, visit https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/scienceresearch.htm

Research & Trip Reports

Showing results 1-5 of 5

Yellowstone National Park
Research Report: Using Radio Collars to Study Yellowstone Wolves
- Locations: Yellowstone National Park
Since the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park in 1995 and 1996, radio collars have been used as the main tool for monitoring and research. Collaring efforts were never intended to be used as tool to locate wolves for public viewing. Now, 24 years, 7 wolf generations, and 616 collars later, radio-collaring remains an important method to collect all kinds of data and has undergone its own technological evolution. Learn more...
Yellowstone National Park
Research Report:Using Seismic Waves to Map the Ground Below Old Faithful Geyser
- Locations: Yellowstone National Park
Continuing fieldwork conducted in 2015 and 2016, researchers from the University of Utah and the University of Texas El Paso returned to Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin in November of 2017. They are studying seismic activity around the highest concentration of geysers in the world. The research team utilizes small temporary seismometers, which are roughly the size of a football...
Yellowstone National Park
Research Report: Revealing Mysteries of the Microbial World
- Locations: Yellowstone National Park
How do microscopic heat-loving organisms not only live, but thrive, in the extreme conditions found in and around thermal features? Learn more about Brent Peyton's important research into this question.
Yellowstone National Park
Research Report: Going on a Snail Hunt
- Locations: Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park recently hosted a team of five researchers from Russia who are exploring the role of the Bering Land Bridge faunal exchange in the evolution and dispersal of animals. For this work, they focus on tiny and often overlooked animals in the park: pond snails and pea clams. The project has a particular interest in the role that hydrothermal water might have played as possible cryptic refugia for species crossing the Bering Land Bridge...
Yellowstone National Park
Research Report: Pollinator Hotshot Crews
- Locations: Yellowstone National Park
Pollinator Hotshot Crews, funded through the National Science Foundation travel to parks across the country, including Yellowstone to document insects and the plants they pollinate. Yellowstone National Park recently conducted a BioBlitz and bee bowl study to create a park pollinator species list. Students, interns, and citizen science volunteers visit monitoring sites from the Gardiner basin, elevation 5,259’ all the way to the top of Mt. Washburn...