Emerald Pool facts for kids
Emerald Pool is a name given to several beautiful natural spots around the world. These places are often known for their amazing green water. This green color usually comes from special plants like algae or tiny living things called bacteria that grow in the water.
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Emerald Pool in Yosemite National Park
The Emerald Pool in Yosemite National Park is a small, shallow lake. It's located about 80 meters (260 feet) above a big waterfall called Vernal Fall. The pool gets its name from its deep green color. This color is caused by tiny algae plants that live on the rocks at the bottom.
During summer, when the water isn't flowing as fast, there's a smooth granite slope nearby called the Silver Apron. The Merced River flows over this slope into the Emerald Pool. Some visitors have tried to use the Silver Apron as a water slide, even though it's against park rules.
It is very important to know that swimming or even walking in the Emerald Pool is not allowed. Going onto the Silver Apron is also forbidden. The National Park Service has put up clear signs about these rules. This is because people have been swept over Vernal Fall and sadly died. Also, sliding down the Silver Apron can be dangerous because of hidden rocks. Always follow the park's safety rules to stay safe!
Emerald Pools along the Yuba River
There is another place called Emerald Pools in California, located along the Yuba River. Here, the South Yuba River flows down a 60-foot (18-meter) waterfall into a deep rock canyon. This area has two main pools.
The first pool is surrounded by tall rock walls, ranging from about 30 to 80 feet (9 to 24 meters) high. This pool is about 50 meters (164 feet) long and 30 meters (98 feet) wide. The water is super clear and very deep, reaching about 27 feet (8 meters) in the middle. Many people enjoy jumping off the cliffs into this pool.
A second pool nearby is almost as big. Even though the water can be cool, this spot is very popular for swimming, especially with young adults.
Emerald Pool in Yellowstone National Park
In Yellowstone National Park, you can find an Emerald Pool that is a hot spring. It's one of the main attractions in an area called Black Sand Basin. This hot spring is also named for its beautiful emerald green color.
The water in this Emerald Pool is quite hot, around 154.6 degrees Fahrenheit (68.1 degrees Celsius). The pool is about 27 feet (8 meters) wide and 38 feet (12 meters) long, with a depth of 25 feet (7.6 meters). Its green color comes from yellow bacteria and algae that grow in the warm water.
Over time, if objects are thrown into the pool or natural debris falls in, the water can cool down. When this happens, the bacteria and algae don't grow as well. This can make the edges of the pool look more orange and brown instead of green.
Other Emerald Pool Locations
You can find other places named Emerald Pool in different parts of the world. For example, there's one in Morne Trois Pitons National Park in Dominica. Another one is located in Zion National Park in Utah.
Images for kids
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Emerald Pool at flood stage, May 2006
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Silver Apron at flood stage, May 2006
