The Old Faithful area is perhaps the most popular attraction for
visitors in Yellowstone National Park. The Old Faithful area, also known
as the Upper Geyser Basin, has the world's highest concentrations of active
geysers.
Upper Geyser Basin (South Section)
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The
Old Faithful Geyser erupts more frequently than any of the other big geysers,
although it is not the largest or most regular geyser in the park. Its average
interval between eruptions is about 76 minutes, varying from 45 - 110 minutes.
An eruption lasts 1 1/2 to 5 minutes, expels 3,700 - 8,400 gallons (14,000 -
32,000 liters) of boiling water, and reaches heights of 106 - 184 feet (30 -
55m). It was named for its consistent performance by members of the Washburn
Expedition in 1870. Although its average interval has lengthened through the
years (due to earthquakes and vandalism), Old Faithful is still as spectacular
and predictable as it was a century ago. |
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Infrequent
but violent eruptions characterize Giantess Geyser. This fountain-type geyser
erupts in several bursts 100 - 200 ft (30 - 60m) high. Eruptions generally occur
2 - 6 times a year. The surrounding area may shake from underground steam
explosions just before the initial water and/or steam eruptions. Eruptions may
occur twice hourly and continue for 12 - 43 hours. |
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Beehive
Geyser is magnificent. Eruptions usually occur twice each day with displays
lasting 4 - 5 minutes. During an eruption, the narrow cone acts like a nozzle,
projecting the water column to heights of 130 - 190 ft (40 - 55m). |
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The Lion Group consists of four geysers: Lion, Lioness, Big
Cub, and Little Cub, which are all connected underground. Of these Lion has the
largest cone and eruptions. Active phases normally occur each day. Eruptions of
Lion Geyser last 1 - 7 minutes and are often preceded by sudden gushes of steam
and a deep roaring sound, hence the name Lion. |
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Sawmill
Geyser's eruptions are highly variable, some lasting only 9 minutes while others
may last over 4 hours. The typical interval between eruptions is 1 - 3 hours.
Overall it is erupting about 30% of the time. Sawmill received its name because
water spins in its crater as it erupts looking somewhat like the rotating
circular blade of a lumber mill. |
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An eruption of Grand Geyser, the tallest predictable geyser in
the
world, occurs every 7 - 15 hours. A classic fountain geyser, Grand erupts from a
large pool with powerful bursts rather than a steady column like Old Faithful.
An average eruption lasts 9 - 12 minutes and consists of 1 - 4 bursts, sometimes
reaching 200 feet (60m). |
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Castle
Geyser has the largest cone and may be the oldest of all geysers in the basin.
Its eruption pattern has changed considerably throughout its recorded history.
Castle is currently erupting about every 10 - 12 hours. A water eruption
frequently reaches 90 feet (27m) and lasts about 20 minutes. The water phase is
followed by a noisy steam phase lasting 30 - 40 minutes. |
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Upper Geyser Basin (North Section)
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Truly
deserving its name, Beauty Pool is noted for its rich, blue water framed by
rainbow-colored bacteria. It's plumbing system is closely related to the
neighboring Chromatic Spring. |
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Chromatic
Spring is closely related to Beauty Pool. During periodic energy shifts the
level of one spring descends while the other rises and overflows. The time
interval between shifts has ranged from a few weeks to several years. |
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Giant
Geyser was dormant for many years after the energy shift in 1955. Since then, it
has slowly become active again. During 1997, its eruptions occurred every 3 - 10
days. This spectacular geyser's eruptions last about an hour and can reach
heights of 180 - 250 feet (55 - 76m). During eruptions small geysers nearby may
also erupt. |
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Comet Geyser is a member of the Daisy Group which also contains
Daisy and Splendid Geysers. Comet has the largest cone of the three but has, by
far, the smallest eruptions. The nearly constant splashing of Comet over a long
period of time has resulted in its large cone. Eruptions rarely exceed 6 feet in
height. |
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Splendid
Geyser's eruptions are at times over 200 feet in height, making it among the
tallest geysers in Yellowstone. Its eruptions are infrequent and difficult
to predict except for the fact that it is more likely to erupt when a storm
front rapidly reduces the barometric pressure in the area. This slightly reduces
the boiling temperature in the plumbing system and occasionally triggers a
splendid eruption. |
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Situated
on the bank of the Firehole River, Riverside Geyser is one of the most
picturesque geysers in the park. During its 20-minute eruptions, a 75 foot (23m)
column of water arches gracefully over the river. Eruptions are about 5-1/2 to
6-1/2 hours apart. There is water runoff over the edge of Riverside's cone for
an hour or two before each eruption. Many geysers have similar
"indications" that they are about to erupt. |
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Fan
and Mortar Geysers are in close proximity to one another and almost always erupt
in concert. The interval between eruptions ranges from 1-1/2 days to months.
Most eruptions last about 45 minutes. Mortar Geyser, pictured here, erupts to
heights of 40 - 80 feet while Fan can reach heights of 100 - 125 feet. |
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Long
a favored destination for park visitors, Morning Glory Pool was named in the
1880s for its remarkable likeness to its namesake flower. However, this
beautiful pool has fallen victim to vandalism. People have thrown literally tons
of coins, trash, rocks, and logs into the pool. Much of the debris subsequently
became embedded in the sides and vent of the spring, affecting water circulation
and accelerating the loss of thermal energy. Through the years Morning Glory's
appearance has changed as its temperature dropped. Orange and yellow bacteria
that formerly colored only the periphery of the spring now spread toward its
center. |
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In conclusion, the Old Faithful area is likely the most popular
attraction in Yellowstone National Park. With so much to see and so many
park visitors, it is recommended that you plan to spend some extra time at Old
Faithful. The area is a rare gem and is unique to Yellowstone - there is
no other place like this on Earth! |
* Information on this page provided by the
NPS.
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