Question 1: On this Earth Day, we’re at the Grand Prismatic Spring. Where is it?
A Yellowstone National Park
B Hot Springs National Park
C Big Bend National Park
Grand Prismatic Spring, a centerpiece of Yellowstone National Park, is 370 feet wide and over 120 feet deep. It is the largest hot spring in the US and the third largest in the world. Yellowstone is dotted with numerous hydrothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mudpots, which helped make it the world’s first national park. Studies on heat-resistant microbes found in these thermal areas have contributed to advancements in medicine, forensic science, and various commercial applications.
Correct Answer: Yellowstone National Park
Question 2: Which statement about hot springs is false?
A The water is geothermally heated
B They’re always safe for swimming
C They contain dissolved minerals
Hot springs are not always safe for swimming due to extreme temperatures, high acidity, or harmful bacteria. Some, like the Grand Prismatic Spring, can reach temperatures as high as 160°F. Checking safety guidelines before entering a hot spring can help avoid potential risks.
Correct Answer: They’re always safe for swimming
Question 3: Which is the world’s largest hot spring?
A Banjar Hot Springs, Indonesia
B Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand
C Pamukkale, Türkiye
Frying Pan Lake covers 9.3 acres in New Zealand’s Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. Its waters stay between 122–140°F, and its depths reach up to 65 feet. The area, known for its geothermal activity, is also home to the Waimangu Geyser. This geyser once erupted to 1,500 feet in the early 20th century, making it the tallest recorded geyser before going dormant in 1904.
Correct Answer: Frying Pan Lake, New Zealand