The Springs
Posted by: 
Volcanoguy
N 44° 29.987 W 111° 15.331
12T E 479686 N 4927416
Geologic history sign at Big Springs.
Waymark Code: WMCAJC
Location: Idaho, United States
Date Posted: 08/16/2011
Views: 5
This history sign is located at Big Springs and discusses the geologic history of Big Springs.
Marker Name: The Springs
Marker Type: Roadside
Marker Text:
Big Springs is located where the 1.3 million-year-old Henry’s Fork Caldera (a huge volcanic crater) is covered by the western edge of the more recent Buffalo Lake lava flow, which erupted from vents on the Yellowstone Plateau to the east. Geologists believe that the main source of the springs is the rain and snow that falls on the Yellowstone Plateau. This water percolates through the highly fractured lava until it meets less permeable glacial and lake sediments beneath the lava. This causes the water to spread laterally, emerging at the base of the Plateau as Big Springs, the largest of many springs that emerge along the western edge of the Yellowstone Plateau. Thermal waters from deeper sources may contribute to the springs’ flow and account for its year-round temperature of 52° F. This is slightly above the mean annual air temperature of the area.
County: Fremont
Group Responsible for Placement: U.S. Forest Service
City: Not listed
Date Dedicated: Not listed
Marker Number: Not listed
Web link(s) for additional information: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
In your log, please say if you learned something new, and if you took any extra time to explore the area once you stopped at the historic marker waymark.
If possible please post a photo of you OR your GPS at the marker location.
Also if you know of any additional links not already mentioned about this bit of Idaho history please include that in your log.