12,000 years ago, Yellowstone’s dry summers began leaving a charcoal trail in its lakes. 6,000 years later, researchers found the same climate pattern linked to lower lake levels and reduced hydrothermal activity

Yellowstone lake sediments preserved ancient climate and environmental records. Warmer, drier summers between 12,000 and 6,000 years ago brought increased wildfire activity. Lodgepole pine forests persisted despite these climate shifts due to infertile soils. Wetter periods supported stronger hydrothermal activity, while dry spells weakened them.