Turquoise Pool facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Turquoise Pool |
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Turquoise Pool
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| Name origin | Hayden Expedition (1878) |
| Location | Yellowstone National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, USA |
| Coordinates | 44°31′36″N 110°50′16″E / 44.5266312°N 110.8376749°E |
| Elevation | 7,250 feet (2,210 m) |
| Type | Hot Spring |
| Temperature | 142 to 160 °F (61 to 71 °C) |
Turquoise Pool is a beautiful hot spring found in the Midway Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. This amazing pool gets its name from its bright, clear blue-green water. It is one of many incredible natural wonders you can see in Yellowstone.
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What is Turquoise Pool?
Turquoise Pool is a type of hot spring. Hot springs are pools of water heated by the Earth's inner warmth. Water from rain and snow seeps deep into the ground. There, it gets heated by hot rocks. This hot water then rises back to the surface, forming a spring.
Where is Turquoise Pool Located?
You can find Turquoise Pool in the Midway Geyser Basin. This basin is part of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Yellowstone is famous for its many geothermal features. These include geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The Midway Geyser Basin is home to some of the park's largest and most colorful hot springs.
Why is the Water Turquoise?
The stunning turquoise color of the pool comes from several things. First, the water is very clear and deep. This allows light to scatter in a way that makes the water look blue. Second, tiny living things called algae and bacteria grow in the warm water. Different types of these tiny organisms create various colors. These colors can range from yellow and orange to green and blue. The specific mix in Turquoise Pool gives it its unique blue-green hue.
How Hot is a Hot Spring?
Turquoise Pool is very hot! Its temperature usually stays between 142 and 160 °F (61 and 71 °C). This is much hotter than a swimming pool or even a hot tub. The water is too hot for people to swim in safely. The heat helps create the perfect environment for the colorful bacteria and algae to grow.
The Heat Below Yellowstone
The heat for Turquoise Pool and other Yellowstone features comes from a "hot spot" under the park. This hot spot is a place where hot magma is close to the Earth's surface. This magma heats the rocks above it. When water flows through these hot rocks, it gets heated up. This superheated water then rises, creating hot springs and geysers.
Who Named Turquoise Pool?
Turquoise Pool got its name from members of the Hayden Expedition. This group explored the Yellowstone area in 1878. They were likely amazed by the pool's vibrant color. They decided to name it "Turquoise Pool" because of its beautiful blue-green appearance. Explorers often named natural features based on what they looked like.
Staying Safe Around Hot Springs
Yellowstone's hot springs are beautiful but also dangerous. The water is extremely hot and can cause severe burns. It is very important to stay on marked boardwalks and trails. Never try to touch the water or throw anything into the pools. Always follow park rules to stay safe and protect these amazing natural wonders.
