Yellowstone volcano is considered the largest caldera not only in the North American continent, but in the whole world. This landmark and the area around it are protected by the state, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Yellowstone Volcano
The first settlements appeared near the caldera about 11,000 years ago. However, people were afraid to engage in agricultural activities on this land, believing that it was inhabited by evil spirits. In the early 19th century, researchers were interested in the volcano, who discovered geothermal springs.
When and how was it formed
The exact cause of the volcano is unknown. The approximate age of the caldera is 2.1-2.5 million years. According to one modern theory, the conditions necessary for volcano formation originated in the near-surface layers of the mantle. The shards of the Farallon tectonic plate, which covered part of the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, were slowly sinking into the bowels of the Earth. According to scientists’ calculations, some of this debris led to the appearance of the caldera.
Where is it located
The largest volcano in the United States is in the northwestern part of Wyoming.
The attraction is located in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Volcano Characteristics
The first descriptions of the caldera were made in the XIX century. To determine the size of the attractions was possible in the 60-70-ies of the last century due to research scientist Robert Christiansen.
Dimensions
The diameter of the volcanic crater is 55 km. In the widest sections this indicator can reach 72 km. The height of the caldera is more than 2.8 km.
When an eruption might occur
During its entire existence, the volcano erupted only 3 times. It wakes up once every 600,000 years. The last eruption occurred more than 630,000 years ago. Scientists fear that the next awakening will occur in the near future. However, the exact date of the natural cataclysm is unknown.
The climate in the area
Due to the geographical features of the park, there is rarely hot weather. During the summer months, the temperature does not rise above +25º C. In winter, the thermometer drops to -5…-8º C. The average temperature during the low season may vary from +15º C to +2º C. The amount of precipitation varies from season to season. The amount of precipitation varies depending on the topography. For example, in the northwest, the index can reach 2 thousand mm. In the Mammoth Hot Springs Valley, the annual precipitation does not exceed 400 mm.
From June to September, up to 35-40 fires occur in the reserve, caused by frequent thunderstorms. Up to 8-10 fires a year are caused by careless acts of people (smoking, lighting fires).
Photos and videos of the Yellowstone volcano
Yellowstone Park has been called one of the most unusual places on Earth. Some views of the caldera resemble alien landscapes.
Local attractions
It takes at least 3 days to see most of the popular attractions in Yellowstone Preserve. The traveler is advised to stay overnight at hotels such as Lake Lodge Cabins, Old Faithful Inn, and Canyon Lodge. The cost of living – from 100 dollars a day.
Upper Geyser Basin
The upper basin has the highest concentration of geysers not only in Yellowstone Park, but also on the planet. To fully explore this part of the reserve, you need to spend at least 2 hours. The attention of travelers is attracted by the Morning Glory Pool. The reservoir is so named because of its resemblance to a flower. The Biscuit Pool is no less popular among guests of the park. The formations, which resembled pieces of cake, collapsed during an earthquake in the middle of the last century.
Lower Yellowstone Falls and Yellowstone River Canyon
The canyon in the park, according to one version, appeared after the Ice Age. Ice accumulated at the mouth of Yellowstone Lake, causing flooding and subsequent erosion. All of these factors led to the formation of the canyon. Its length is 32 km.
The Yellowstone River runs along the bottom of the giant trench.
The lower waterfall, located in the canyon, is more than 90 meters high. It is considered the largest in the Rocky Mountains in terms of water volume. The sight was discovered in the 1820s. 40 years later the waterfall got its name. In the early 1870s the first pictures of this natural site were taken.
Hayden Valley
The valley arose after the partial shallowing of Yellowstone Lake. Hayden was discovered by trappers in August 1870. The valley was named after its explorer Ferdinand Hayden. Walking in this area is prohibited in order to protect the animals that live there. Tourists can see the valley by navigating one of the special trails, Mary and Hayden Valley.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Hot spring waters formed deposits in the form of frozen waterfalls, pyramids and stepped terraces. Moose have become a permanent resident of these places. The park administration is located near the attraction. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is built for travelers. Tourists are also recommended to visit the museum, where guests are shown a film about the history of the National Reserve.
Yellowstone Lake
The discoverer of the natural site is considered to be John Coulter, who visited the area in the XIX century. The surface area of the reservoir is 350 square kilometers. The average depth of the lake is 43 m. At the beginning of winter, Yellowstone freezes over. It is under the ice until the end of spring. Sometimes the reservoir remains frozen until the first of June.
Lamar Valley
The valley is located in the northeastern part of the National Park. This place attracts fans of fishing. The valley is home to elk, coyotes, and grizzly bears. Hunting wolves has led to the near extinction of this species in the reserve. However, the predator population was saved from extinction thanks to reintroduction by scientists of the Yellowstone Institute.
Tower Fall
The waterfall was discovered in the summer of 1870. The peculiarity of this waterfall is that on a sunny day you can see a double rainbow over it. A large rock looms over the top of Tower Fall. Visitors to the landmark might think that in a few minutes the cobblestone is going to fall from its height. For many years, however, the stone has continued to remain in its place.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
The West Finger Geyser Basin was discovered in the 1820s. In 1869 the first scientific expedition went there. There used to be a campsite, gas station, and cafe on the pool area. However, in order to protect the natural landmark, these structures were demolished.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin attracts the most attention from visitors:
- The Pool of the Abyss. The name was given in 1935 by the naturalist K. M. Bauer. The water in the pool has an unusual ultramarine hue.
- Fishing Cone. The first description of a hot spring was made in 1870. The cone is also called a cauldron, horn, or pot. This place used to be favored by fishing enthusiasts. But the entertainment was forbidden because of the danger of a geyser eruption.
Interesting facts about the volcano
Interesting facts about the attraction:
- In the vicinity of the caldera can meet about 2 thousand representatives of flora and 400 species of fauna.
- Yellowstone is called a supervolcano. It is shaped like a crater, not a mountain.
- The Caldera is being studied by a special scientific council created under the President of the United States in 2007.
- Between 1 and 20 earthquakes occur daily on the volcano and its surrounding area. But since their magnitude does not exceed 3 points, they are not dangerous and may go unnoticed by visitors to the park. The largest earthquake was recorded in late March 2014. Its magnitude exceeded 4.5.
- The eruption of Yellowstone could lead to ecological disaster. Scientists predict that after the awakening of the volcano will destroy at least 70% of the territory of the United States.
- The eruption of the caldera will lead not only to the death of the North American continent, but to climate change across the planet. Volcanic ash will obscure the sun for months. The temperature on Earth may drop by 18-20° C. The chemical composition of the atmosphere will change.
How much is a ticket to Yellowstone National Park?
To get into the reserve, you need to show a pass. Visitors by bicycle or without personal transportation pay a $20 entry fee. For motorcyclists, the pass will cost $30. The cost of entry for travelers by car is $35. Children under 15 years of age visit the attraction for free. The pass remains valid for 7 days from the date of purchase.
How to get to the Yellowstone volcano area
You can get to the park by plane. Cody and West Yellowstone airports are not far from the reserve. The latter air harbor operates only during the summer months. Buses can be taken from the airport to Yellowstone via Route 191.
Both municipal and commercial public transport runs to the reserve. There are no buses in the park.
Yellowstone Volcano tours and excursions
You can travel around the reserve on your own. However, it is worth buying a tour or excursion in an agency that specializes in working with Russian-speaking tourists. You can use the services of private guides, offering authoring programs.
The best time to travel may be spring and fall (until mid-October), when there are fewer vacationers in the reserve. Although the park is open year-round, it is undesirable to visit from November to April. During this time, it is forbidden to travel on many trails of the reserve.
