Of all the Geyser basins which occur within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA, Norris Basin has to be one of my personal favourites. It might not have the same density or nature of geysers as some of the other areas, but it is hot, sulphurous and unusual things happen there! During fieldwork in the early Autumn (Fall) of 1999, I had the opportunity to visit Norris several times along with Alan Channing (Cardiff University, Wales) and we were variously accompanied "off boardwalk" by Ranger Bill Wise and Volunteer Ranger Smokey Sturtevant. Thanks guys! We got back in one piece.....and uncooked.
Some of the thermal features illustrated here are strictly off-limits to the casual visitor to the Park and require expert guidance through dangerous thermal areas to reach them. I have marked these features out accordingly. However, I hope you agree that it is nice to be able to show some of the hidden gems of Norris.
Medusa Spring (!!off boardwalk!!)
Medusa Spring occurs in the far south-western portion of the Back Basin at Norris and can be seen from the highway. At present, Medusa is a spring which gently erupts overspilling its margins and flowing down the sinter terrace. In the past, Medusa has shown sporadic geyser activity.
List of Medusa images:
Puff 'n' Stuff (Visible from boardwalk)
Don't you just love it?
Opalescent Spring (!!off boardwalk!!)
Opalescent Spring is characterised by having a single pool outlet, constrained by the surrounding topography.
