Lobby > Exhibits > Hot Water Treasures > Types of Thermal Features > Hot Springs > Morning Glory Pool

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

Unfortunately, vandalism to Morning Glory Pool began early. The spring originally had a scalloped sinter border, 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) wide and 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) high. The entire rim was dismantled by souvenir hunters. By the 1950s, people had thrown so much trash, rocks, logs, and coins into the spring that Morning Glory Pool became known informally as the "garbage can."

Much of the debris became embedded in the sides and vent of the spring, affecting water circulation and decreasing the water temperature. Consequently, yellow and orange microorganisms, previously unable to live in hotter water, have spread towards the center of the pool, decreasing the area of clear blue.

Next | 1 > 2 | Next Section: Handkerchief Pool