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HUMAN-CAUSED CHANGE

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Many of the world’s geyser fields have been damaged by human activity, their water supply tapped for power plants, recreation, and other types of development. The designation of Yellowstone as a national park has helped protect its hydrothermal features from human-caused destruction.

One hundred years ago, few people were concerned about damage to Yellowstone’s resources. Visitors hacked away at some hydrothermal rock formations and carved words and drawings into the delicate sinter of others. It was also common to use the hot springs and geysers as wishing wells or trashcans. Some geysers and hot springs did not survive this damage.

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