2007 Q & A
June 11, 2007
Can you smell the sulfur in the water at the hot springs and geysers? Jordan, Lakeside High School, New Hanover Co.
Definitely. In the thermal areas, you can even smell the sulfur with the van windows closed. Rudyard Kipling, in the 1800’s, described the smell as “the potent stench of stale eggs” quoted in the book Old Yellowstone Days.
What is the average temperature of the hottest geyser? students from North Lincoln High School, Lincoln Co.
The boiling point of water at sea level is 212 °F. Here at Yellowstone National Park, the boiling point of water is 199 °F due to the elevation. Water in a geyser is superheated which means the water temperature necessary for geyser eruption is 199 °F or slightly higher.
What is the most abundant species you observed in Yellowstone? Stacy, Leesville Road High School, Wake Co.
We have observed bison in Lamar Valley grazing and wallowing in herds of up to 500 individuals. We have also observed many elk, pronghorn antelope and mule deer in the northern portion of the park. The least abundant animals in Yellowstone are reptiles and amphibians. While in the backcountry of Lamar Valley, we were surprised to find a garter snake.
How do visitors affect the wildlife of Yellowstone? students from Mount Airy Middle School, Surry Co.
Most visitors are very respectful as they view the wildlife at Yellowstone National Park. Cars line the pulloffs and people watch animals through binoculars and spotting scopes. But we have also witnessed a car driving too fast that almost struck a coyote, an injured great gray owl that was probably hit by a car and several people getting way too close to grazing bison.
This visitor had to hide in the pine trees when the elk got too close.
(Photo taken by Melissa Dowland—from inside a van—during the 2006 Yellowstone Ecology Institute.)
|
