Yellowstone National Park
Here are links to lists of various national parks around the world. Choose ONE park from any of these lists, then answer the 3 questions below (should be at least 2-3 sentences each). You do NOT need to reply to another student for this forum.
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/recherche-parcs-parks-search(Links to an external site.)
* You get full credit for this forum by discussing the following 3 questions AND listing the websites you used to get the information. There are many websites discussing these parks. You’ll need to provide a list of website addresses you used (not a formal bibliography) in this forum in order to receive full credit (10-point penalty otherwise). Wikipedia is not acceptable.
1. Where, specifically, is this park located (aside from just the state or nation)?Describe one major natural feature of the park, along with common wildlife found there.
2. How were the major natural features of the park initially formed? How were they eventually weathered to look like they do today? (In other words, why do these features currently look like they do)?
3. What are the typical summer and winter temperatures and precipitation amounts? How has climate change impacted this park, or what are the major concerns related to climate change at this park (discuss the long-term changes in climate, not short-term changes in weather)? Yellowstone National Park
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Where, specifically is this park located (aside from just the state or nation)? Describe one major natural feature of the park along with common wildlife found there.,
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How were the major natural features of the park initially formed? How were they eventually weathered to look like they do today?,
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What are the typical summer and winter temperatures and precipitation amounts?,
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How has climate change impacted this park, or what are the major concerns related to climate change at this park?,
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What long-term changes in climate are expected for this park?
Comprehensive Answer:
1. Location, Natural Feature, and Wildlife
Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, with portions extending into Montana and Idaho. A major natural feature of Yellowstone is the Old Faithful Geyser, one of the most famous geothermal features in the world. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles.
2. Formation and Weathering of Features
Yellowstone’s landscape was shaped primarily by volcanic activity from a massive supervolcano eruption over 600,000 years ago. This created the Yellowstone Caldera, which is still geologically active today. Over thousands of years, geothermal activity, erosion, glaciation, and water flow have shaped geysers, hot springs, and canyons, giving them their current appearance.
3. Climate and Seasonal Patterns
In summer, temperatures in Yellowstone typically range from 70–80°F (21–27°C) during the day, with cooler nights in the 40s (4–9°C). In winter, temperatures can drop below 0°F (-18°C), with average highs ranging from 0–20°F (-18– -6°C). Precipitation varies, but the park averages about 20 inches (51 cm) of rain and 150 inches (381 cm) of snow annually, depending on elevation.
4. Climate Change Impacts and Concerns
Long-term climate change has already begun to alter Yellowstone’s ecosystems. Warmer average temperatures have caused reduced snowpack, earlier spring runoff, and changes in water availability. This impacts aquatic species, plant growth, and wildfire frequency. Rising temperatures also stress cold-dependent wildlife such as cutthroat trout, while invasive species may spread more easily.
5. Expected Long-Term Climate Changes
Future climate models suggest Yellowstone will face warmer summers, less snow, and more rain at higher elevations. This will likely alter forest composition, increase wildfire risk, and put pressure on iconic species like bison and grizzly bears. The cumulative effect of these changes threatens to shift Yellowstone’s ecosystems in ways not seen in modern history.