In the Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone parts the curtain and stages a
gigantic thermal exhibit. Here the first geysers come into view. There
they are! Dipping and skyrocketing; spears of boiling water belch
upward, dazzling white against the backdrop of blue skies and forest
greenery. For size, number, power and action, no other geysers in the
world compare to those of Yellowstone.
In the west and south-central parts of the Park are six major geyser
basins. Each contains a number of geysers, pools and springs. This
spectacular section of Yellowstone is extremely fascinating. In the
Lower Basin are numerous well-known geysers, but in the Upper Basin
famous Old Faithful probably will attract your first attention.
Moreover, near by is Old Faithful Inn, where you will want to stay for
one or more delightful, pleasure-filled days.
Park Ranger Naturalists have prepared an interesting display at Old
Faithful which reveals the intricate operation of geysers. An artificial
miniature geyser has been constructed and its working parts may be seen
and understood. In reality a geyser is a hot spring that has developed
into a fountain. A plume of water shoots upward at nearly boiling
temperature. The hot volcanic rocks beneath the earth create steam and
give the geyser force. At Yellowstone the subterranean action is near
the earth’s surface and the geysers act as safety valves in draining off
this excess energy.
[Illustration: Off to view Yellowstone’s wonders from horseback]
[Illustration: Castle Geyser erupts from an imposing crater]
[Illustration: Riverside Geyser throws its column over the Firehole
River]