Tectonic History

Yellowstone sits atop a volcanic hotspot, where magma from deep beneath the Earth's surface heats up groundwater and produces geothermal features like hot springs and geysers. The park is home to over 10,000 geothermal areas, many of which are thousands of years old.

Geological Features

Yellowstone's geological landscape is characterized by volcanic features like the Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful, as well as vast badlands and canyons. The park's unique geology has created a diverse range of ecosystems, from alpine tundra to subalpine forests.

Volcanic Activity

Yellowstone is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, with over 500 geothermal features erupting between 1800 and 2008. The park's volcanic activity has shaped its landscape over millions of years, creating unique landforms like the Mammoth Hot Springs and the Castle Geyser.