Friday, October 4, 2024 The iconic Morning Glory pool in Yellowstone National Park has undergone a significant color change due to years of debris left behind by visitors. Coins, rubbish, and even car parts tossed into the pool have caused the once-brilliant blue water to turn green in the center and yellow at the edges. Historians and park workers, like Jeff Henry, a former Yellowstone ranger, explain that the debris blocked water circulation, lowering the pool’s temperature and allowing bacteria to thrive.
Mike Poland, a scientist from the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, confirmed that cooler water temperatures promote bacterial growth, causing the shift in color. This change, he said, results from objects thrown into the pool that partially blocked its conduit. Alicia Murphy, a park historian, revealed that this practice of throwing items into the pool dates back to the 1870s when tourists believed they might trigger a geothermic reaction or make a wish.
Murphy noted that “wishing wells are a time-honored tradition,” but these actions have contributed to the degradation of the pool over time. Although there are fewer coins found in the pool today, the damage caused by this historical tradition is still visible. The National Park Service explained that the debris has embedded itself into the sides and vents of the spring, leading to reduced water circulation and a drop in temperature, which has altered the pool’s appearance.
Morning Glory remains a popular attracti.
