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Yellowstone National Park (6)
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West Thumb Geyser Basin
There is a small bay on the western end of Yellowstone Lake called West Thumb. The name comes from the fact that the lake has been thought to resemble a hand from above and this bay looks a little like the thumb of the hand. In reality, this bay is actually a flooded 4 by 6 miles caldera resulting from an explosion 150,000 years ago. A view east from the bay looks across the widest portion of the lake.
The West Thumb Geyser basin is found along the shore of the bay here. It is one of the smallest geyser basins in the park. There are a few geysers and a number of lovely hot springs.
There is a boardwalk in the West Thumb geothermal area which runs for about a half mile and provides access to many of the hydrothermal features.
Lakeshore Geyser can be seen below the surface of Yellowstone Lake. The water level of the lake is relatively high now, and a number of hydrothermal features have been drowned by the rising waters. However, by August or September the lake's water level may be low enough to expose this feature. This geyser erupts every 30 to 60 minutes and beyond, including dormancy, for about 10 minutes to a height of about 20 to 30 feet.
Another feature in the West Thumb Geyser Basin is Big Cone which, as can be seen below, juts into the lake's waters.
The Black Pool geyser erupted in 1991, at which time its color changed to the blue which is seen today. This pool in 40 by 75 feet and measures 30 feet deep.
Abyss Pool derives its name from the fact that it is the deepest know pool in Yellowstone National Park. The dark green colored water gives the pool the appearance of being bottomless.
The West Thumb Geyser Basin, as with some other collections of hydrothermal features, draws wildlife, which may be seen wandering among the geysers and hot springs.
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