Morning Glory Pool, Hot spring in Upper Geyser Basin, US
Morning Glory Pool is a hot spring in Upper Geyser Basin where the water displays concentric rings of color throughout the day. The hues range from deep blue at the center to orange and yellow at the edges, each zone shaped by distinct temperature levels and bacterial communities.
The pool received its name in 1883 when Mrs. E. N. McGowan drew inspiration from the morning glory flower for its title. Her choice connected the botanical beauty of the plant to the pool's visual splendor.
The pool captivates visitors with its vivid color patterns created by heat-loving bacteria that thrive in extreme conditions. The concentric rings reveal how life adapts and flourishes in one of nature's harshest environments.
Visitors must stay on marked boardwalks since the water is extremely hot and the paths also protect the fragile ecosystem. Stepping off designated routes damages the natural color patterns and poses safety risks.
Over decades, visitors threw objects into the pool that slowed water circulation and altered its original deep blue color. This unintended transformation reveals how human actions can subtly reshape natural systems.
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