Old Faithful Geyser

Imagine thousands of gallons of boiling water rushing forth from the earth. Shooting
toward the sky, the water forms a tall, steamy column sometimes 180 feet high! When
the water falls, its only a matter of time before another surge will appear. Old Faithful
geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupts regularly and has attracted sightseers since at
least 1870.

In 1870, a team of surveyors explored the area of northwestern Wyoming that would
become Yellowstone National Park. The team (known as the Washburn Expedition)
explored lakes, mountains, plants, and wildlife. They also observed many geothermal
features. While camping, they noticed a geyser that erupted about every hour. Since this
geyser was nearly as reliable as a wristwatch, the men named it Old Faithful.

A geyser is a hot spring that occasionally erupts; the term is derived from an Icelandic
word meaning to gush. Such gushers are rare. A geyser can become blocked by mineral
deposits, and tectonic activity (earthquakes) or human intervention can alter their
behavior. Only about 1,000 geysers are known to exist on Earth, and about half of those
are located in Yellowstone.

How does a geyser like Old Faithful work? A geyser, like any natural hot spring, has its
water heated by magma, or melted rock deep within the earth. The force of heat
(convection) pushes the water up through porous rocks. After steam and boiling water are
expelled, the cycle starts anew. Geysers schedules widely differ; for example, some
erupt every ten minutes, and some erupt just twice a day.

In geological terms, Old Faithful is a cone geyser. The name refers to a cone-shaped
formation of minerals that has formed at the geysers mouth. This cone shapes the narrow
spray that bursts forth. In contrast, a fountain geyser has eruptions burst from an open
pool.

Observers have documented more than 137,000 Old Faithful eruptions, and people have
noticed changes in the eruption schedule since 1870. This might be a result of a 1998
earthquake changing underground water levels, or the cumulative effect of many tiny
quakes. The geyser has also been altered by vandalism; e.g. visitors have thrown items
into Old Faithful. At the start of the 21st century, a handy formula involves measuring the
duration of an eruption. If it lasts for 2.5 minutes or less, the next eruption will follow
about 65 minutes later. If it lasts for longer than 2.5 minutes, the geyser may be
exhausted until 92 minutes later.

How hot is Old Faithfuls water? In the 1980s and 1990s, scientists lowered
thermometers about 70 feet into the geyser. They measured a temperature of 244 degrees
Fahrenheit. Apparently, the temperature remained constant since a 1942 recording. Steam
temperatures reached 265 degrees. Right before eruption, water at the opening is about
204 degrees.

How much water is expelled? With each eruption, Old Faithful puts forth between 3,700
and 8,400 gallons. This forms a column thats between 106 and 184 feet high. An average
eruption is about 130 feet tall.

Old Faithful is not Yellowstones largest geyser; that distinction belongs to Steamboat
Geyser. However, the landmark attracts the attention of most who visit Yellowstone.
Eruption times are posted at the parks Visitor Center, and growing crowds are also a clue
that the time is near. Walkways and benches are provided for viewers.

PPPPP

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Skiing in Austria

The world famous home of skiing, Austria, is an ideal resort for anyone who enjoys skiing. The fresh alpine slopes, combined with picture-postcard scenery, and a grand culture of centuries old make Austria an ideal holiday destination, whether or not you simply adore skiing like me!

Austria is home to a wide variety of ski resorts, catering for all abilities and tastes. From the lavishly expensive to the bargain basement (yet still of a consistently high quality), Austria has it all, from the highest peaks, to the snowiest landscapes, and with a bit of research you can find some really great deals.

When in Austria, youd be mad not to ski the alps. The dream of many skiers, the alps span several European countries, and is a must-ski for an enthusiast. Spend a good few days in Austria, and dedicate at least one of them to skiing the alps. You wont regret it, I can promise you that!

If you put in the research work before you leave, you will generally be able to find some top quality accommodation at low prices. Whether you are booking within a ski resort, or nearby, you should consult the internet to find last minute deals which might help you save money. A good tip to bear in mind is that the star rating given to accommodation does not indicate quality. You might be better off in a one star than a three star for example, given that the star only represents the level of facilities. Additionally, lower star ratings are usually cheaper, so you can benefit from quality, reduced price accommodation if you know where to look. Whatever type of accommodation you opt for, if you are flexible enough to leave for your vacation instantly you will benefit from good deals. Hotels often cut their prices at the last minute, on the basis that some money for a room is better than no money, and so if youre prepared to get away as soon as possible, you will find it can be really cheap, and you can still have a great time all the same.

On top of that, the internet is home to a variety of low cost airlines which run no frills, no ticket services. In my personal experience, I have found these airlines to be as good as their more expensive competitors, and just as efficient and comfortable. One word of caution about any airline: make sure they are equipped to handle skiing equipment. Some companies will charge a surplus for your skis, so it is important to ask before you book as to arrangements for bulky or large and fragile goods.

Another highly recommended purchase is insurance for both your equipment and yourself. Things do go wrong, on holiday as well as at home. It is important, therefore to make sure you are covered. Particularly when you are placing your equipment in an airplane hold, or when you are indulging in a dangerous sport like skiing, insurance is important for ensuring you dont end up high and dry. You can find good deals if you shop around, and it really is worth the few bucks to get that piece of mind, and actual backup in case things go wrong. In a word, it is essential. Dont leave home without it!

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Universal Studios Tours Its Not For Everyone

Unlike Disneyland, Universal Studio Tours are not for everyone. While there is plenty to do and see, the attractions are not appropriate for all ages. This should be strongly considered if you are planning a family vacation that includes Universal Studios.

There are no attractions that are suitable for babies or toddlers at Universal Studios. Most babies and toddlers will not be interested in the Universal Studios Tour. Furthermore, getting a stroller around the upper and lower lots is almost impossible. Universal Studios is a great place to have some fun unless you are a baby, a toddler, or a parent of a baby or toddler.

If you will be taking your vacation with a toddler or a baby, you may be better off saving the Universal Studios Tour for another vacation a few years down the road. There is no charge for admission for babies and toddlers at Universal Studios, but there usually isnt if the person cannot enjoy the attractions at the park! Remember the baby or toddler isnt the only one who wont be having any fun.

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