Initial Publication Date: June 17, 2005
Rhyolite-Basalt Volcanism of the Yellowstone Plateau and Hydrothermal Activity of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Route
Start point
Old Faithful area of Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National ParkEnd point
Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National ParkRoads
U.S. 89Total distance
not givenGeology
Summary
This field guide provides an overview of the major geologic and hydrothermal features along the park roads through the western and northern parts of Yellowstone National Park. A number of sites from Old Faithful to Mammoth Hot Springs are described in the context of the geologic history of the Yellowstone region. Areas receiving special emphasis are the Firehole River and Upper Geyser Basin (including the Old Faithful area), Midway and Lower Geyser Basins, Firehole Canyon, Madison Junction, Norris Geyser Basin, the Norris-Mammoth Corridor, and Mammoth Hot Springs.Key Lithologic Features
- rhyolite flows and tuffs
- travertine terraces
- landslide deposits
Structures
- volcanic calderas
Landforms
- volcanic plateaus
Other Features
- a variety of hydrothermal features including hot springs, geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and explosion craters