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On December 26, residents and visitors to
Yellowstone Lake began to feel the earth shake
beneath their feet, literally, when a swarm of
earthquakes hit the area. Occurring beneath the lake,
5 to 9 miles south-southeast of Fishing Bridge, the
activity intensified on December 27, when a
magnitude 3.9 quake was felt by visitors at Lake and
the Fishing Bridge warming hut. Interpretive ranger
Matt Johnson reported actually hearing the quake and
described it as "a
loud rumbling noise, like all of the snow falling off the
roof at once." About 500 earthquakes occurred in the
period between December 26 and January 1, as the
hypocenters appeared to be migrating northwards
toward Fishing Bridge. This is not the first time
swarms have hit Yellowstone Lake. In the mid-1970s,
a swarm that included a magnitude 4.5 earthquake
occurred south of Fishing Bridge and north of
Stevenson Island. This most recent seismic activity
had decreased markedly by January 5; however,
swarms of this size usually last for tens of days to
many weeks, so the possibility of a return of activity
remains.
Earthquakes are a common occurrence in
Yellowstone, which averages 1000-2000 a year.
Earthquakes in Yellowstone are caused by a
combination of geological factors, including: 1)
regional stress associated with normal faults, 2)
magmatic movements deep below the surface, and 3)
hydrothermal fluid activity caused as the groundwater
system is heated to boiling by magmatic heat. After
the recent swarm of earthquakes, no changes in
surface discharges (hot springs, gas output, etc.)
have been noted, nor is there reason to believe that
magma has risen to a shallow level within the crust or
that a volcanic eruption is likely. Still, this recent
activity, called "notable" by the University of Utah
Seismograph Stations, is being closely monitored by
the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, which is a
partnership of the University of Utah, the National Park
Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey.
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Limited Time Sale: The Abundance of Summer
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By Tom Murphy. Page by elegant page, you'll be
enthralled by the breathtaking colors and images of
Yellowstone's high summer season. The
photographer is also a poet and naturalist, who writes
insightful and interesting text to accompany his
photographs. Read about his adventures in
Yellowstone's wild country, the animals large and
small he photographs, and the landscape and
skyscape he brings home to those of us who are lucky
enough to own this book. For a limited time, now
through January 12, 2009, you can purchase this
stunning book for $30 (regularly $40).
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Yellowstone Needs Your Support
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Our world's first national park has been officially
protected since 1872. Today, it is ours to enjoy.
However, in these difficult economic times, your
membership is more important than ever in protecting
the pristine wildness of one of our national treasures,
Yellowstone National Park. Please help us send a
strong message of support and join today. As a
member, you will have the knowledge that you are
helping to preserve irreplaceable wildlands, to save
endangered and threatened wildlife, and to protect
this majestic part of our national heritage for years to
come.
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Experience the Best of Yellowstone
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Our newest Lodging and Learning program features
the best that Yellowstone has to offer. Bring up to eight
friends or family members to enjoy a private tour in an
historic yellow bus, which includes large windows and
a retractable canvas top perfect for sightseeing and
wildlife viewing. Like visitors of a bygone era, you will
be escorted by an expert naturalist guide and a
personal driver as you enjoy learning about the park's
wildlife, history, and geology. This five-night, four-day
program includes instruction, transportation, and
meals and lodging at the park's finest hotels. Rates
start at $2,179 per person.
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Summer Volunteer Positions Available
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If you love the magic of Yellowstone, consider
spending the summer season volunteering with the
Yellowstone Association as an Operations
Coordinator, Program Assistant, or Information
Assistant. We are looking for generous, hardworking,
enthusiastic individuals and couples to support our
mission to inspire, educate, and preserve. Our
volunteers spend full seasons working in
Yellowstone, play an integral role in our organization,
and are a part of our Yellowstone family.
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