Old Faithful is a geyser in which U.S. national park?

Question: Old Faithful is a geyser in which U.S. national park?

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Yellowstone National Park.

Old Faithful is perhaps the most iconic and well-known geyser globally and is located in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. Situated in the state of Wyoming, though the park itself spans into parts of Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone was the world’s first national park, established in 1872, setting a precedent for national parks and conservation efforts worldwide.

Yellowstone National Park covers an expansive area of over 2.2 million acres and boasts a myriad of geothermal features, but Old Faithful stands out because of its punctual eruptions. The name “Old Faithful” was bestowed upon the geyser in 1870 during the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition, and it was so named because of the regularity of its eruptions. On average, Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes, though this can vary from 60 to 110 minutes. These eruptions can reach heights ranging from 100 to 180 feet and last from one and a half minutes to five minutes. The predictability of the geyser has made it a major attraction for visitors from around the world.

The geyser’s predictable behavior is due to its isolated underground system, relatively free from nearby disturbances. As water from rain and snow seeps into the earth, it is heated by the hot rock below and rises to the surface, resulting in an eruption.

Yellowstone sits atop a volcanic hotspot, which provides the heat necessary for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features. This vast underground volcano is what powers Old Faithful and the park’s other geysers. The park contains more than 10,000 thermal features, with over 500 being geysers.

Visiting Old Faithful and the surrounding geyser basin offers a mesmerizing experience. Beyond the eruptions, one can explore the diverse ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and the rich history that defines Yellowstone National Park. Observing Old Faithful’s eruption becomes a symbolic experience, representing the raw power and majesty of nature, and the need for its preservation.