Morning Glory Pool Facts

Over 35 fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool including 10 fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool especially for kids plus learn more about its geography, legends, and much more!

Morning Glory Pool Facts


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Fun Facts About the Morning Glory Pool – About the Morning Glory Pool

Before we get to the fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool, here is a brief overview of the Morning Glory Pool.

The Morning Glory Pool is a famous hot spring located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park in the United States. It is known for its stunning colors and unique appearance.

The pool was named after the morning glory flower due to its resemblance to the flower’s vibrant blue color. However, it’s important to note that the appearance of the pool has changed over the years due to human interference.

Initially, the Morning Glory Pool had a deep blue color that gradually faded to green towards the edges. However, the pool’s vibrant colors were altered as visitors began throwing coins, rocks, and other debris into the pool, which disrupted the natural flow of hot water and caused bacteria to grow. This led to the pool’s color changing to a combination of green, yellow, and orange hues.

The pool is fed by a hot spring, and its unique colors are a result of thermophilic bacteria and algae that thrive in the warm water. Different pigmented bacteria can create a spectrum of colors depending on the water temperature, light, and mineral content.

The Morning Glory Pool is approximately 23 feet (7 meters) deep and has a diameter of about 82 feet (25 meters). It has a constant temperature of around 140°F (60°C). The pool’s hot water flows from a vent and then gradually cools as it spreads out.

The area surrounding the Morning Glory Pool is fragile, and it’s important for visitors to stay on designated paths and boardwalks to protect the delicate ecosystem and preserve the natural beauty of the pool.

While the Morning Glory Pool is a popular attraction in Yellowstone National Park, it’s essential to appreciate and respect its natural environment to ensure its preservation for future generations to enjoy.

Morning Glory Pool Facts

Fun Facts About the Morning Glory Pool – Fun Facts

Here are 25 fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool:

  1. The Morning Glory Pool is one of the iconic thermal features in Yellowstone National Park, located in the Upper Geyser Basin.
  2. It was named after the morning glory flower due to its vibrant blue color.
  3. The pool is approximately 23 feet (7 meters) deep and has a diameter of about 82 feet (25 meters).
  4. The pool’s constant temperature is around 140°F (60°C).
  5. The stunning colors of the pool are the result of thermophilic bacteria and algae that thrive in the warm water.
  6. Over the years, the pool’s colors have changed due to human interference, such as throwing coins and debris into the pool.
  7. The vibrant blue color of the pool has faded and transformed into a combination of green, yellow, and orange hues.
  8. The pool’s colors can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, light conditions, and mineral content.
  9. The pool’s depth and intricate colors make it a popular subject for photographers visiting Yellowstone National Park.
  10. The Morning Glory Pool is part of the Yellowstone Caldera, one of the world’s largest active volcanic systems.
  11. The pool is connected to the Upper Geyser Basin, which is home to several other geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser.
  12. The water in the Morning Glory Pool comes from a hot spring that continuously releases heated water into the pool.
  13. The pool’s water eventually overflows and drains into the nearby Firehole River.
  14. The pool is surrounded by unique microbial mats that thrive in the extreme environment created by the hot water.
  15. It is important to stay on designated paths and boardwalks near the pool to protect the fragile ecosystem and preserve its natural beauty.
  16. The Morning Glory Pool was significantly affected by human interference, leading to the closure of a nearby path to prevent further damage.
  17. Despite its altered appearance, the Morning Glory Pool continues to be a fascinating and beautiful natural feature.
  18. The pool is a reminder of the delicate balance between human impact and the preservation of natural wonders.
  19. The Morning Glory Pool is a prime example of the geothermal activity that makes Yellowstone National Park unique.
  20. The pool’s colors and biodiversity serve as a habitat for various heat-loving bacteria and microorganisms.
  21. The pool’s water is acidic due to the presence of dissolved minerals and gases.
  22. The Morning Glory Pool is a popular destination for visitors exploring the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
  23. The changing colors of the pool throughout the year offer different photographic opportunities.
  24. The Morning Glory Pool is a testament to the geological forces at work beneath the surface of Yellowstone National Park.
  25. The pool serves as a reminder of the need to protect and conserve natural wonders for future generations to enjoy.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool!

Fun Facts About the Morning Glory Pool – Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool that kids might enjoy:

  1. The Morning Glory Pool is named after a beautiful flower called the morning glory because it resembles the flower’s vibrant blue color.
  2. The pool is like a giant hot tub, filled with warm water that stays at around 140°F (60°C) all the time.
  3. The colors of the pool are created by special kinds of bacteria and algae that love living in the warm water.
  4. The pool used to be bright blue, but over the years, people throwing coins and trash into it changed its colors to green, yellow, and orange.
  5. The Morning Glory Pool is like a mini underwater city, as it’s home to tiny living creatures that can survive in the hot water.
  6. The pool is part of Yellowstone National Park, which is like a giant outdoor playground full of amazing geysers, hot springs, and wildlife.
  7. If you visit the Morning Glory Pool, you might see steam rising from the water, just like a magical foggy mist.
  8. The pool is surrounded by a special kind of colorful bacteria mat that looks like a beautiful carpet or an alien landscape.
  9. The Morning Glory Pool is a reminder of the power of nature and how it can change over time because of human actions.
  10. Many kids love taking pictures of the pool, capturing its unique colors and the steam rising from the water.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool!

Morning Glory Pool Facts

Fun Facts About the Morning Glory Pool – Geography and Geology

The geography and geology of the Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone National Park are fascinating. In addition to the fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool, here’s a description of its geography and geology:

Geography: The Morning Glory Pool is located in the Upper Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park, which is situated in the western part of the U.S. state of Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park itself is a vast expanse of land, covering parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, forests, rivers, and geothermal features.

The pool is nestled in a scenic area surrounded by other geothermal features, such as geysers and hot springs. It is located near the Firehole River, a waterway that flows through the park and offers picturesque views.

Geology: Yellowstone National Park is situated on top of a supervolcano, which is an enormous volcano with a history of massive eruptions. The geology of the Morning Glory Pool is closely linked to the volcanic activity in the region.

The pool is a hot spring, a type of geothermal feature formed when groundwater is heated by the volcanic activity beneath the surface. The heat from the volcano warms up the water and creates the hot spring phenomenon.

The water in the Morning Glory Pool originates deep beneath the Earth’s surface, where it is heated by magma chambers. The hot water rises to the surface through cracks and fissures in the Earth’s crust. As the water reaches the surface, it cools down and forms the hot spring.

The vibrant colors of the pool are a result of thermophilic bacteria and algae. These microorganisms thrive in the warm water and create mats or colonies around the edges of the pool. Different bacteria species create a range of colors, depending on factors like water temperature, sunlight, and the minerals present in the water.

Over time, human interference, such as throwing coins and debris into the pool, has disrupted its natural flow and changed its colors. This interference affected the delicate balance of the bacteria and altered the appearance of the pool from its original bright blue to the current green, yellow, and orange hues.

The geography and geology of the Morning Glory Pool are intertwined, with the pool being a fascinating outcome of the volcanic activity in Yellowstone National Park. Its unique colors and the surrounding geothermal features make it a captivating natural wonder.

About the Morning Glory Pool – Legends

The Morning Glory Pool in Yellowstone National Park has captivated visitors with its beauty and has inspired several legends and stories throughout the years. In addition to the fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool, here are a couple of legends associated with the Morning Glory Pool:

  1. The Penny Tossing Legend: According to this legend, visitors believed that if they threw a coin into the Morning Glory Pool and made a wish, it would come true. Over time, thousands of coins were tossed into the pool, causing damage to its delicate ecosystem and altering its appearance. Park officials eventually had to put an end to this practice to preserve the natural beauty of the pool.
  2. The Sleeping Giant Legend: Another legend tells the story of a sleeping giant who resides deep within the Morning Glory Pool. According to the legend, the giant sleeps beneath the colorful waters, dreaming of protecting the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park. Some versions of the legend claim that if the pool is disturbed or mistreated, the giant may wake up and wreak havoc upon the land.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool!

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Morning Glory Pool Facts

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about the Morning Glory Pool!

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