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West Thumb Geyser Basin

Yellowstone NP, Wyoming

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Oh Wow! Origin

The fascinating backstory

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Culture Moment

The cultural significance

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Hidden Moment

Secrets and lesser-known facts

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Reflections & inspirational aspects

Fun Facts

West Thumb is a smaller caldera that formed within the larger Yellowstone Caldera, created by a volcanic eruption approximately 174,000 years ago.

The name 'West Thumb' comes from the shape of the bay, which resembles the thumb of a mitten when viewed on a map.

It features a variety of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles, all fueled by the heat from the underlying volcanic activity.

The Fishing Cone is a hot spring located in Yellowstone Lake, where early visitors reportedly cooked fish caught in the lake by dipping them into the boiling water.

The basin is located right on the shore of Yellowstone Lake, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Some of the hot springs in the basin are over 50 feet deep, showcasing the immense geothermal power beneath the surface.

The Abyss Pool is one of the deepest hot springs in Yellowstone, with a depth of over 50 feet and a striking blue color.

The basin is home to several active geysers, including the Big Cone Geyser, which can erupt up to 10 feet high.

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