Belgian Pool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belgian Pool |
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Belgian Pool
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| Location | Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, USA |
| Coordinates | 44°27′58″N 110°50′12″W / 44.4660585°N 110.8366533°W |
| Elevation | 7,339 feet (2,237 m) |
| Type | Hot Spring |
| Temperature | 180 °F (82 °C) |
Belgian Pool is a special hot spring found in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This area is famous for its amazing hot springs and geysers.
Contents
What is Belgian Pool?
Belgian Pool is a type of hot spring. Hot springs are natural pools of water heated by the Earth's underground warmth. Water seeps into the ground, gets heated by hot rocks, and then rises back to the surface. This creates beautiful, often colorful, pools.
Where is Belgian Pool Located?
You can find Belgian Pool in the Upper Geyser Basin. This basin is one of the most active geothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park. It's home to many famous features, including the well-known Old Faithful geyser. The park itself is mostly in Wyoming, a state in the western United States.
Why is it Called Belgian Pool?
This hot spring was not always called Belgian Pool. Its first name was Oyster Spring. However, its name changed after a sad event in 1929. A visitor from Belgium had a serious accident there, which led to the spring being renamed in their memory. Sometimes, people in the 1930s might have called it "Belgian Geyser."
How Hot is Belgian Pool?
Belgian Pool is very hot, but it's not as hot as some other features in the area. Its temperature is about 180 °F (82 °C). This is still extremely hot! For comparison, water boils at 212 °F (100 °C) at sea level. Because of its high temperature, it's very important to stay on the marked boardwalks and trails when visiting any hot spring in Yellowstone. Getting too close can be very dangerous and cause severe burns.
Staying Safe in Yellowstone's Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park is a wild and wonderful place. Its hot springs and geysers are amazing to see. But they can also be dangerous if you are not careful. Park rangers always remind visitors to:
- Stay on the boardwalks and marked trails.
- Never touch the hot water or the ground around the springs.
- Keep pets and children close by.
- Follow all park rules and signs.
These rules help keep everyone safe while they enjoy the park's natural wonders.
