1. Hot Springs National Park By Nick Confer

2. When did hot springs become a national park? In 1804 William Dunbar and George Hunter found steaming water and mineral deposits in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Arkansas was part of the Louisiana Purchase. In 1828 a hotel was built over a natural hot spring. In 1832 Hot Springs was made a national reserve in order to preserve the natural hot springs. In the mid-1960’s the casinos were closed and it was became a popular family vacation and tourist spot. How was the park formed? A hot spring is formed when thousands of years old rain water collects and goes down into the crust. If the water were to rise rapidly that makes a hot spring. When many of these form in a location near each other it was made a national park to preserve them. There are 47 original hot springs and currently 49.

3. What environmental issues are affecting Hot Springs? There has been a recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It has leaked far enough to threaten the mineral streams of Hot Springs. The tufa rock cliffs are no longer forming because most of the springs are covered and connected to pipe works. How is the land inside Hot Springs is currently changing? There were originally 47 hot springs, but they have increased by 2 (49 springs). There are also not many tufa cliffs in Hot Springs because of human reasons.

4. How is technology being used to preserve and maintain Hot Springs? Technology is being used to preserve Hot Springs national park by using the water for baths and not harming other springs.