The Norris Geyser Basin is one of the most unique areas of Yellowstone National Park. This basin, named for one of the early superintendents of Yellowstone, lies along three fault lines making it incredibly changeable in addition to being the hottest area in the park. The extreme temperatures make the waters of the geothermal sites acidic, where most geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone are alkaline. Thus, Norris Geyser Basin provides an environment different from any other in the park. The hot, acidic waters are home to different kinds of bacteria and chemical reactions, which create unique color patterns and formations. The basin consists of three main sections: Porcelain Basin, Back Basin, and One Hundred Springs Plain. Within these sections are some of the most visually impressive and singular geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. Back Basin is home to the Porkchop Geyser, a site that perfectly illustrates the changing nature of the Norris Basin. In 1985, Porkchop Geyser changed from a hot spring that sometimes erupted to a proper geyser. Then, only four years later, silica clogged the mouth of Porkchop and the geyser exploded sending debris hundreds of feet away. The park had to reroute visitor trails to avoid the area. Also in Back Basin, visitors can visit the tallest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser. The mineral waters of Steamboat Geyser erupt to heights greater than 300 feet. Unfortunately for the curious spectator, these eruptions are completely unpredictable with periods of dormancy lasting for decades. Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History student Jane Gagne.