Question 1: On this Earth Day, we’re at the Grand Prismatic Spring. Where is it?
- Yellowstone National Park
- Hot Springs National Park
- Big Bend National Park
Answer: Yellowstone National Park
Fact: The Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, spans 370 feet in width and exceeds 120 feet in depth. Located in Yellowstone National Park, it serves as a striking highlight among the park’s many hydrothermal features, which include hot springs, geysers, and mudpots. These natural wonders played a key role in Yellowstone being designated the world’s first national park. Research on heat-resistant microbes thriving in these thermal environments has led to breakthroughs in medicine, forensic science, and a range of commercial applications.
Question 2: Which statement about hot springs is false?
- The water is geothermally heated
- They’re always safe for swimming
- They contain dissolved minerals
Answer: They’re always safe for swimming
Fact: Hot springs can pose safety risks due to extreme heat, high acidity, or dangerous bacteria. For example, the Grand Prismatic Spring can reach temperatures up to 160°F. To avoid potential hazards, it’s important to review safety guidelines before entering any hot spring.
Question 3: Which is the world’s largest hot spring?
- Banjar Hot Springs, Indonesia
- Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand
- Pamukkale, Türkiye
Answer: Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand
Fact: Frying Pan Lake, located in New Zealand’s Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, spans 9.3 acres and reaches depths of up to 65 feet. Its waters maintain temperatures between 122–140°F. The valley, renowned for its geothermal activity, also once hosted the Waimangu Geyser, which erupted to an astonishing height of 1,500 feet in the early 20th century—making it the tallest recorded geyser until it became dormant in 1904.