Explore Thermal Basins

 

One of the greatest experiences in Yellowstone is witnessing the geologic wonders of the park. Topping the list of geologic wonders are hydrothermal features: hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers. Well over 10,000 different hydrothermal features have been estimated to be active within the park.

Even more incredible might be that over half of the world's active geysers are found here. Every year, some 500-700 geysers are active. In 2011, it was determined that 1,283 geysers have been recorded as erupting in Yellowstone. This is truly incredible, when all of the rest of the world's geysers combined number less than 500.

Hydrothermal features are extremely dynamic, changing throughout the day, across seasons, and over the years. This makes revisiting the different thermal basins so interesting. Besides seeing familiar sites, you can also see how those areas have changed since the last visit.

 

Safely Exploring Thermal Basins

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

• Always walk on boardwalks and designated trails. Keep children close and do not let them run on boardwalks.
• Do not touch thermal features or runoff.
• Swimming or soaking in hot springs is prohibited. More than 20 people have died from burns suffered after they entered or fell into Yellowstone’s hot springs.
• Pets are prohibited in thermal areas.
• Do not throw objects into hot springs or other hydrothermal features.
• Toxic gases may accumulate to dangerous levels in some hydrothermal areas. If you begin to feel sick while exploring one of our geyser basins, leave the area immediately.

 

 

Hydrothermal Systems and Features

The park’s hydrothermal system is the visible expression of the immense Yellowstone volcano. Heat from the volcano is transferred to the groundwater, which makes makes its way to the surface as a hydrothermal feature.

Thermal basins are areas where several hydrothermal features are found. Sometimes features are connected, exhibiting distinct behavior based on the activity of a connected feature.

There are four main types of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone: hot springs, mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers. There are also travertine terraces, which form where the water of hot springs travel through limestone bedrock.

 

 

Virtual Exploration

Want to get a better sense of where some popular features are out in some of the thermal basins before you visit? Unable to visit Yellowstone, and still want to get a sense of these amazing geologic wonders? Take a virtual stroll about these tours of some of Yellowstone's thermal basins.