Hot Springs
Hot Springs were set aside to be a national park 40 yrs before Yellowstone was made a national park. The national park was established in 1832. There are 47 naturally flowing thermal springs on the southwestern slope of the Hot Springs mountain. It is the only national park set aside/created for spa use. The bathhouses had a big boom after the Civil War. The springs "spit out" 4 million liters per day at an average temp of 143F. This is because the water eventually meets with the faults and joints in the Hot Springs sandstone. It has been used by humans for 10,000 years and was visited by DeSoto. They are the most famous hot springs in the U.S.A. The hot springs are high in common minerals such as the following: Arsenic- toxic in large quanities; small amounts encourage plasma production & tissue growth. It is benificial for fungal infections and arthritis. Bicarbonate Gases- increase circulation and opens periphial blood vessels. Can alleviate (lessen) symptoms of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, & mild atherosclerosis. Boron- increases brain activity & strenghtens bones and muscles. Chlorides- beneficial for rheumatic conditions, arthritis, and stress. Iron- increases blood production and strengthns the immune system. Lithium- alleviates (lessens) depression and helps depression. Magnesium- converts blood sugar to energy; promotes healthy skin. Potassium- regulates heart rythms and decreases blood pressure; eliminates toxins. Sulfates- treat respiratiory ailments and skin infections; also benificial for liver and gastrointestinal conditions.
Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone
The Mammoth Hot Springs were first described by a 1871 survey by the Hayden Survey. It consists of nearly 100 hot springs scattered over the area. A few springs were created when construction began in 1891 on a fort site. The hollow ground couldn't support the weight of some of the buildings and created sink holes in which water "burbles" out. This are has been thermailly active for several thousand years. This is because a large fault system runs between Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth, which allows thermal water to flow between the two. When it burst through the water is genrally 173 F.
Also, if you wish to see a live camera/video feed of Old Faithful (a part of mammoth hot springs) click below.