Travertine Hot Springs
Travertine Hot Springs are a group of geothermal mineral springs located near the town of Bridgeport, California.
| Travertine Hot Springs | |
|---|---|
.jpg.webp) Travertine Hot Springs, photograph by Dan DeBold | |
| Location | near Bridgeport, California |
| Coordinates | GPS N 38 14.729 W 119 12.323 |
| Elevation | 6,700 feet |
| Type | geothermal spring |
| Temperature | 180°F |
Geography
The springs are located two miles Southeast of Bridgeport, California on several sizeable travertine terraces, overlooking views of the High Sierra mountains.[1] Volunteers have built a series of primitive rock pools and wood-and-concrete enclosures to contain the water, and to control temperature by diverting the flow through stepped channels.[1] The springs are located on California State Park land.[2]
History
For hundreds of years the hot mineral springs were used by local indigenous people and later, early settlers. According to archaeological records, Paleo-Indians and later local Indigenous people used thermal springs in the American west for 10,000 years, based on evidence of human use and settlements. Hot springs provided warmth, healing mineral water, and cleansing.[3]
In the early 1900s, the first wood-lined pool for dipping sheep was built; some of the wooden planks currently at the site are the original boards.[1]
Water profile
The hot mineral water emerges from several geothermal fissures in the ground at 180°F (82°C) and are cooled to 115°–156°F as they progress through the travertine terraces.[4] Due to underground movement caused local and regional earthquakes, the temperature fluctuates.[1]
References
- Gersh-Young, Marjorie (2010). Hot Springs and Hot Pools of the Southwest. Santa Cruz, California: Aqua Therma Press. p. 164. ISBN 1890880094.
- "California's Eastern Sierra: Hot Springs". Monocounty.org. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- "A History of Geothermal Energy in America". U.S. Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
- Berry, George W.; Grim, Paul J.; Ikelman, Joy A. (1980). Thermal Springs List for the United States. Boulder, Coloratdo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. p. 12.