Yellowstone National Park
Geology Timeline
2.7 billion to 570 million years ago
Precambrian History: The most ancient rocks in North America form during the Precambrian era. Huge mountain ranges form and erode away, until Yellowstone is a relatively flat plain.
600 million to 75 million years ago
Floods alter the Landscape: The region is periodically flooded by shallow seas. Lush jungles slowly evolve. The area that is now Grand Teton National Park looks like the Everglades in Florida!
75 million to 55 million years ago
Formation of the Rocky Mountains: The Rocky Mountains form, creating intense stresses within the earth, followed by a period of violent volcanic activity.
55 million to 40 million years ago
Volcanic Period: During the Tertiary period, the Absaroka and Washburn ranges are formed by molten magma that covers most of the area that is now Yellowstone.
40 million to 2 million years ago
Climatic Changes: Yellowstone's climate grows hot and dry. Camels, elephants and primitive horses roam the land. Eventually, mountain building begins again in the region.
2 million to 640,000 years ago
Yellowstone Caldera Formed: Three tremendous volcanic blasts occurred. The last, the Yellowstone Caldera, formed a crater more than 45 by 30 miles in size.
300,000 to 14,000 years ago
The Ice Ages: Three glacial ages sweep through Yellowstone. When the last one subsides, it leaves behind the changed landscape that we see today.
Yellowstone In Depth
News from the Parks
Kautz Creek: Nature's Power Is Evident
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
August 28, 2008 - 5:06pm
I used to know exactly how many switchbacks it took to get to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground from Kautz Creek. I have forgotten the number, but there are many. I did remember most of the trail was in the forest, an advantage on a hot day.
Popular N.C. Beach Reopened for Vehicles
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
August 28, 2008 - 4:58pm
A popular beach on North Carolina's Outer Banks that has been closed to off-road vehicles has been reopened by the National Park Service in time for Labor Day weekend visitors.' The Cape Hatteras National Seashore said Thursday the area known as Bodie Island Spit is open to give fishermen access to Oregon Inlet.
Redwood Park's Hofstra Gets National Award
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
August 28, 2008 - 4:56pm
Longtime Redwood National Park senior biologist Terry Hofstra was awarded the U.S Department of the Interior's second-highest honor Wednesday in Orick. Hofstra though he was going to a party celebrating the park's 40th anniversary -- which is indeed this year -- but instead found himself the focus of the gathering of about 200 park employees and friends.
When Traveling, Boingo is the Road Trip's Best Bet
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
August 28, 2008 - 4:54pm
Boingo Wireless, the global market leader in Wi-Fi, announces the addition of NomadISP to the Boingo Roaming Network, giving Boingo members access to close to 300 new hotspots located at RV parks, campgrounds and parks throughout the United States and Canada. With the addition of the NomadISP network, Boingo members will be able to enjoy broadband connections as they take their vacations this summer, and whenever they are traveling across North America and staying at a campground or RV park -- either with their laptop computers or their Wi-Fi enabled cell phones.
Donor Partnership Crosses Borders To Nurture National Park Volunteer Program
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
August 28, 2008 - 4:52pm
The Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced a philanthropic partnership that will establish a proactive and sustainable volunteer program for the 9,100-acre park, which spans two states, three counties, and several cities, towns and neighborhoods.
