NPS Links
Geothermal Features and How They Work
Hot Springs and How They Work
Anatomy of a Hot Spring
Mudpots and How They Work
Fumaroles and How They Work
Mammoth Terraces and How They Work
Geysers and How They Work
How Geysers Work
Hot Spot Theories
Yellowstone's Geothermal Features
With half of the earth’s geothermal features, Yellowstone holds the planet’s most
diverse and intact collection of geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. Its
more than 300 geysers make up two thirds of all those found on earth. Combine
this with more than 10,000 thermal features comprised of brilliantly colored hot
springs, bubbling mudpots, and steaming fumaroles, and you have a place like no other.
Geyserland, fairyland, wonderland--through the years, all have been used to describe
the natural wonder and magic of this unique park that contains more geothermal
features than any other place on earth.
Yellowstone’s vast collection of thermal features provides a constant reminder of
the park’s recent volcanic past. Indeed, the caldera provides the setting that
allows such features as Old Faithful to exist and to exist in such great concentrations.