America’s First National Park
Yellowstone National Park, located mainly in Wyoming in the United States, is famous for its geysers, hot springs, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Created in 1872, it was the first national park in the world. Covering nearly 9,000 square kilometers, Yellowstone is larger than some countries and attracts millions of visitors every year.
The park sits on top of a giant volcanic system called a supervolcano. Deep underground, molten rock heats water, creating Yellowstone’s famous geothermal features. More than half of the world’s geysers are found here. The most famous is Old Faithful, which erupts regularly every 60 to 110 minutes, sending a jet of boiling water up to 40 meters into the air.
Hot springs, another striking feature, paint the landscape with vivid colors. The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, shines in brilliant blue, green, and orange, caused by heat-loving bacteria that live in the water. Mud pots, steam vents, and fumaroles add to the park’s otherworldly appearance.
Yellowstone is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Bison, elk, bears, wolves, and bald eagles roam freely across valleys, mountains, and forests. In the winter, snow covers much of the park, but hardy animals adapt to survive. Wolves, reintroduced in 1995, have played a crucial role in balancing the ecosystem by controlling elk populations.
Beyond its beauty, Yellowstone is a place of scientific importance. Geologists study its geothermal activity to understand Earth’s processes, while biologists examine how species interact in such a dynamic environment. Visitors come not only to admire the sights but also to learn about nature’s power and complexity.
However, Yellowstone faces challenges. Rising visitor numbers can damage fragile areas, and climate change is affecting snowfall, rivers, and ecosystems. Park rangers work to protect wildlife and educate the public on conservation. Internationally, Yellowstone is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global importance.
Standing by a geyser’s eruption or looking across a steaming hot spring, visitors feel the connection between fire beneath the Earth and water at the surface. Yellowstone reminds us of the powerful forces that shape our planet and the responsibility we share to protect these wonders for generations to come.
Vocabulary List
- geyser — A hot spring that shoots water and steam into the air.
- supervolcano — A very large volcano that can produce massive eruptions.
- eruption — The release of lava, steam, or ash from a volcano.
- Prismatic — Showing many bright colors like a rainbow.
- fumarole — An opening in the ground where steam and gases escape.
- bison — A large, shaggy-haired wild ox native to North America.
- ecosystem — A community of living things and their environment.
- geothermal — Heat energy that comes from inside the Earth.
- UNESCO — An international organization that protects cultural and natural sites.
- conservation — The protection of the environment and wildlife.
Comprehension Questions
- What makes Yellowstone National Park famous around the world?
- What is Old Faithful, and how often does it erupt?
- Why is the Grand Prismatic Spring so colorful?
- Which animals live in Yellowstone, and how do wolves help the ecosystem?
- What challenges does Yellowstone face, and how is it being protected?