|
|
Introduction | Trail Map | Echinus Geyser |
| Norris Geyser Basin is the the hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone.
The basin is comprised of two distinct sections: The Back Basin is in a forest setting (at least it was before
the 1988 fires, now its more of a regenerating forest
setting). It contains geysers and hot springs tucked
among the trees. The Porcelain Basin is characterized by a lack of vegetation. No
plants can live in the hot, acidic, water emitted from
the numerous thermal features in the basin. Porcelain
Basin presents a beautiful but desolate visage which is
unlike any of the other geyser basins in Yellowstone. Norris Geyser Basin is constantly changing. New geysers are born, old ones die. Even the major geysers change from year to year. This makes Norris an interesting place to study but a difficult place to predict. This is part of the fun of Norris. The "stars" of Norris are the strange look of Porcelain Basin and the fun eruptions of Echinus Geyser. Both are well worth seeing. |
| Norris Geyser Basin is
home to the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser.
Steamboat can reach 380 feet and its steam phase can be
heard miles away. Unfortunately, Steamboat is rare, the
last major eruption was in 1991. Even so, Steamboat can
be fun to watch. It often has minor eruptions some of
which reach 40 feet. And, who knows, someone will
probably be present when it has its next big eruption,
why not you. A Few other features of interest include:
|
