The unknown is the scariest part. In Yellowstone ghost stories, you don't really know what these spirits might do. For example, the phantom rider could just be passing through, or he could be a malevolent spirit ready to cause harm.
Another Yellowstone ghost story involves the spirits of miners. In the past, Yellowstone had mining activities. The story goes that the ghosts of miners who died in accidents or from harsh working conditions still haunt the old mining areas. They are said to make strange noises, like the clanking of pickaxes or the creaking of old mining carts, as if they are still going about their work.
One main element is the hotspot. As the plate moved over it, it led to the creation of Yellowstone. Also, the resulting caldera is an important part of the origin story.
The origin stories of Yellowstone are complex and intertwined with the Earth's history. Volcanic forces have been at play for a long time. The hotspot theory suggests that the intense heat from deep within the Earth caused the formation of Yellowstone. This led to the creation of the diverse ecosystems we see today. The park's origin also influenced the distribution of species as different organisms adapted to the unique geothermal and geological conditions. For example, some bacteria thrive in the hot springs, which are a direct result of Yellowstone's volcanic origin.
It depends. Some elements of the story might be based on real events or locations, but it's likely fictionalized and dramatized for entertainment purposes.