Lobby > Exhibits > Hot Water Treasures > Types of Thermal Features > Hot Springs

WHAT IS A HOT SPRING?

Mammoth Hot Springs Grand Prismatic Morning Glory Pool Handkerchief Pool Hot Spring Colors

Hot springs are the most common hydrothermal features in the park. Beginning as precipitation, the water of a hot spring seeps through the bedrock underlying Yellowstone and becomes superheated at depth. An open plumbing system allows the hot water to rise back to the surface unimpeded. Convection currents constantly circulate the water, preventing it from getting hot enough to trigger an eruption.

Next: Mammoth Hot Springs