Yellowstone: Late Summer to Early Fall 2020 — West Thumb Geyser Basin
Article 2: West Thumb Geyser Basin (Second in the series about my journey to Yellowstone in the Late Summer and Early Fall of 2020)
Background
Continuing on my Yellowstone 2020 journey with this second blog post dedicated to West Thumb Geyser Basin and its amazing diversity of thermal features.
West Thumb Geyser Basin was named by the 1870 Washburn Expedition who based its name upon the thumb-like body of water of Yellowstone Lake adjacent to the basin. At one time, this area was also referred to as Hot Spring Camp. West Thumb is a caldera within the Yellowstone Caldera and formed from a massive volcanic explosion approximately 150,000 years ago. While West Thumb Geyser Basin is one of the smallest areas of Yellowstone for thermal features, it is the largest on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, has the most diversity of features and some of the most iconic such as Twin Geysers, Abyss Pool, Black Pool, Fishing Cone, Lake Shore Geyser, Blue Funnel Spring, Surging Spring and the West Thumb Paint Pots. Since the mid 1970s, thermal activity in this basin has decreased and temperatures have cooled which gave way to large blooms of cyanobacteria and algae enhancing the color of the features.
West Thumb Geyser Basin is not to be missed while making a trip to Yellowstone. Traversing the walkway within the area is easy, safe, fun and only takes between 1–2 hours (depending on how much time you choose to stare in awe at any of the incredible features). Parking is also easy but depending on the season, and especially in Summer, crowds can be a bit challenging and cause delays. Therefore, arrive early or try to time a visit at sunset where the colors over the basin and Yellowstone Lake can be magical.
Black Pool
BLACK POOL: One of the most stunning thermal features within West Thumb Geyser Basin is Black Pool and my personal favorite there. The pool’s temperature is 132 degrees Fahrenheit, and has dimensions 40 by 75 feet, depth 30 feet and is one of the largest springs in West Thumb Geyser Basin. Black Pool gets its name due to the rich blue color of the water attributed to the interplay between the transparency of the water and the orange algae of the pool. The orange algae thrive in the lower temperature of this pool. Algae and bacteria combine with sinter deposits to form the coral-like crust lining the edges of the pool.
The following video shows Black Pool bubbling and driven by afternoon gusts of wind in West Thumb Geyser Basin:
More West Thumb Geyser Basin Images
More West Thumb Geyser Basin Videos
My Book || Yellowstone: Late Summer to Early Fall 2020
“Yellowstone: Late Summer to Early Fall of 2020,” is a travel photography book that provides historical background information on Yellowstone National Park, as a backdrop to set the stage for the book’s images that depict the wonders of the park by traversing The Grand Loop, and offers travel tips and picture taking insights for a journey to Yellowstone. See the link below:
