Yellowstone Geological Discoveries and Impact

In the early 1800s, tales of Yellowstone's wonders were dismissed as fiction. Jim Bridger and other explorers shared stories of its unique landscapes. In 1871, Ferdinand Hayden led a federally funded survey to explore the area, including photographer William Henry Jackson and painter Thomas Moran. They discovered Yellowstone's volcanic origins, standing in a massive crater from a supervolcano eruption 640,000 years ago. The team documented the region's features, avoiding the fate of lost explorer Truman Everts. Their findings confirmed the extraordinary nature of Yellowstone, now a major attraction.

What was the initial reaction to the tales of Yellowstone brought back by scouts and trappers?

• They were dismissed as fictional stories.

• They were immediately believed.

• They were ignored completely.

• They were considered scientific discoveries.

Who led the first federally funded survey team to explore Yellowstone?

• Jim Bridger

• Ferdinand V. Hayden

• Thomas Moran

• William Henry Jackson

What was the role of William Henry Jackson in Hayden's expedition?

• He was the chief cartographer.

• He was the head botanist.

• He was the expedition's photographer.

• He was the lead geologist.

What was the impact of Thomas Moran's work on the American public?

• It was criticized heavily.

• It was only appreciated by scientists.

• It had a significant impact.

• It was largely ignored.

What significant geological feature did Hayden's team discover about Yellowstone?

• It was a massive forest.

• It was a giant collapsed crater of a supervolcano.

• It was the highest mountain in the region.

• It was a large desert area.

What did scientists conclude about the supervolcano under Yellowstone?

• It is the smallest volcano in the region.

• It is overdue for another major eruption.

• It is unlikely to erupt again.

• It has no impact on the landscape.

What did Hayden's team do upon reaching Yellowstone Lake?

• They set up a permanent settlement.

• They began documenting the area.

• They got lost in the wilderness.

• They decided to leave immediately.

What was the fate of explorer Truman Everts in Yellowstone?

• He found a hidden treasure.

• He got lost for 37 days.

• He built a cabin by the lake.

• He discovered a new species.

What did the team find about the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?

• It was completely dry.

• It was as impressive as described.

• It was filled with gold.

• It was smaller than expected.

What natural forces contributed to the formation of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone?

• Tidal waves and erosion

• Wind and rain

• Earthquakes and landslides

• Volcanic activity and glaciers