The Prophet (S.A.W) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers. So when we travelled (and stayed) for nineteen days...
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (R.A)
The Prophet (S.A.W) once stayed for nineteen days and prayed shortened prayers. So when we travelled (and stayed) for nineteen days, we used to shorten the prayer, but if we travelled (and stayed) for a longer period we used to offer the full prayer.
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 20, Number 186
Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but extending into Montana and Idaho, is renowned for its stunning geothermal features, making it a unique geological treasure. The park, established in 1872, is not only the first national park in the world but also one of the most fascinating due to its extraordinary geothermal activity. It is home to half of the world’s geothermal features and two-thirds of all the world’s geysers, offering a vivid display of nature’s geothermal power.
The park sits atop a vast volcanic hotspot, which is responsible for its geothermal wonders. This hotspot powers over 10,000 geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The geothermal activity in Yellowstone is a result of the heat from the Earth’s mantle coming into contact with groundwater, which then surfaces in various forms.
One of the most iconic geysers in Yellowstone is Old Faithful, known for its predictable eruptions that shoot boiling water up to 185 feet into the air. Old Faithful erupts approximately every 90 minutes, making it a popular attraction for visitors. However, Old Faithful is just one of the approximately 500 geysers in the park, including other notable ones like Steamboat Geyser, the world’s tallest active geyser, which can erupt up to 300 feet.
In addition to geysers, Yellowstone boasts a myriad of colorful hot springs, with Grand Prismatic Spring being the most famous. This spring is the largest in the United States and the third-largest in the world, renowned for its striking colors that range from deep blue to vibrant orange, caused by thermophilic bacteria thriving in the mineral-rich water.
The park’s geothermal features are not only visually stunning but also scientifically significant. They provide valuable insights into the Earth’s geothermal processes and serve as a natural laboratory for studying extremophiles – organisms that live in extreme conditions. These organisms have been the subject of research for potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
Yellowstone’s geothermal activity also poses challenges. The underlying volcanic system is still active, with the potential for significant eruptions in the distant future. Scientists continuously monitor the park for signs of volcanic activity, ensuring the safety of visitors and the preservation of this natural wonder.
