Morning Glory Pool Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Morning Glory Pool
Morning Glory Spring

Name origin	Named by Mrs. E. N. McGowan, wife of Assistant Superintendent Charles McGowan, 1883
Location	Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, USA
Coordinates	44°28′30″N 110°50′37″W / 44.4750325°N 110.8435128°W / 44.4750325; -110.8435128
Elevation	7,300 feet (2,225 m)
Type	Hot spring
Temperature	69.8 °C (157.6 °F)
Depth	23 feet (7 m)
Northern section of Upper Geyser Basin

Morning Glory Pool is a stunning hot spring located in the famous Yellowstone National Park in the United States. This beautiful spring is part of the Upper Geyser Basin and is well-known for its vibrant, changing colors. It is sometimes also called Morning Glory Spring.

Discovering Morning Glory Pool
Why Are Its Colors So Bright?
Morning Glory: A Sleeping Geyser?
Protecting This Natural Treasure
Gallery of Morning Glory Pool
See also

Discovering Morning Glory Pool

This special pool received its name in 1883. Mrs. E. N. McGowan, whose husband was an Assistant Park Superintendent, gave it the name. She called it "Convolutus," which is the Latin name for the beautiful morning glory flower. Mrs. McGowan thought the spring looked just like the flower. By 1889, everyone in the park commonly used the name Morning Glory Pool.

Why Are Its Colors So Bright?

The amazing and distinct colors of Morning Glory Pool come from tiny living things. These are types of bacteria that live in the very hot water. Different kinds of bacteria thrive at different temperatures. This creates the wonderful rings of colors you can see. The colors can change depending on the water's temperature.

Morning Glory: A Sleeping Geyser?

Most of the time, Morning Glory Pool is a quiet hot spring. However, on a few rare occasions, it has acted like a geyser. This means it has erupted and shot water high into the air. These eruptions usually happen after an earthquake or other ground movements nearby. It's a rare and exciting event to witness.

Protecting This Natural Treasure

Sadly, over the years, some visitors have thrown objects into the pool. Things like coins, trash, and rocks have blocked the natural vents. These vents are where the hot water flows into the pool. When the vents get blocked, the water supply changes. This also changes the temperature and the types of bacteria that can live there. Because of this, the pool's beautiful colors have started to fade. Park officials have tried to clear the debris. They want to help the pool regain its original vibrant look. An interpretive sign near the pool explains this problem. It reminds everyone about the damage caused by littering. It also suggests that Morning Glory is becoming a "Faded Glory." We can all help protect these natural wonders by respecting them.