Lava Hot Springs (thermal mineral springs) explained

Lava Hot Springs
Map:Idaho#USA
Elevation:5020feet
Coordinates:42.6194°N -112.0142°W
Hot Spring Type:Geothermal
Discharge:34 gallons/second / 130 liters/second.
Temperature:113°F / 45°C

Lava Hot Springs are a system of geothermal mineral springs in Bannock County, Idaho, United States, in the area of the city named after them, Lava Hot Springs.

History

The springs were historically used by local Bannock and Shoshone Native Americans.[1] In the early 1800s, explorers and fur trappers knew of the hot springs, and Robert Dempsey built a permanent camp nearby. During the 1840s and 50s, travellers headed to California and Oregon were aware of the springs. In 1890, John and Mary Hall, English immigrants homesteaded the site. In 1902, the Shoshone and Bannock peoples ceded the hot springs site and surrounding acreage to the U.S. government.[2]

Geography

Lava Hot Springs is located at 42.6194°N -112.0142°W (42.619482, -112.014283),[3] at an elevation of 5020feet above sea level.

Geology

The rock content of the spring vents consist of Paleozoic quartzite and younger travertine.[4]

Water profile

The spring system has a flow of 34 gallons/second / 130 liters/second. The hot mineral water emerges from the ground at 113°F / 45°C.[5] The mineral content of the water includes manganese, sodium, iron, calcium bicarbonate, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc and fluoride.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lava Hot Springs History . Lavahotsprings.org . 30 June 2020.
  2. Web site: Lava High School Gymnasium . National Register of Historic Places Registration Form . US Dept of the Interior, National Park Service.
  3. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. 2011-04-23. 2011-02-12.
  4. GEOTHERMAL INVESTIGATIONS IN IDAHO . Idaho Department of Water Administration Water Information Bulletin . May 1973 . 30.
  5. Book: Berry . George W. . Grim . Paul J. . Ikelman . Joy A. . Thermal Springs List for the United States . 1980 . National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Boulder, Colorado.