Yellowstone Association E-Newsletter January 2009
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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.


Limited Time Sale: The Abundance of Summer
 
Abundance of Summer

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).


Yellowstone Needs Your Support
 
Pine Martin

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.


Experience the Best of Yellowstone
 
Touring Car

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.


Summer Volunteer Positions Available
 
Volunteers

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.



Yellowstone Association

Phone: 307-344-2293
Phone: 877-967-0090
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