Kanuti Hot Springs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kanuti Hot Springs |
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| Location | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 66°20′30″N 150°50′44″W / 66.34167°N 150.84556°W |
| Type | geothermal spring |
| Temperature | 110°F to 151°F |
Kanuti Hot Springs is a special place in Alaska. It is a geothermal spring, which means its water is heated naturally deep underground. This spring is located in the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area. It's about 15 miles north of the Arctic Circle, making it a very cold region!
What Makes the Water Hot?
The water at Kanuti Hot Springs is very warm. It comes out of the ground at temperatures between 110°F (43°C) and 151°F (66°C). This is hotter than most swimming pools!
How does it get so warm? Rainwater falls and seeps deep into the ground. It travels through cracks in the rocks. Deep below, the water gets heated by very hot melted rock, called magma. This superheated water then rises back to the surface, forming the hot springs.
Life in the Springs
Even though the water is hot, tiny living things can grow there. Small organisms called cyanobacteria live in the spring. These bacteria are a type of microbe that can make their own food using sunlight.
They often create colorful patches along the edges of the spring. You might see white, yellow, or orange colors from these tiny living things.
Location and Importance
Kanuti Hot Springs is found in the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is a large area set aside to protect wildlife and their homes. The hot springs are considered an "Area of Critical Environmental Concern." This means it's a very important natural spot that needs special protection.
It's a unique natural wonder in the Alaskan wilderness.
