Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park. Spring 2009
Mammoth Hot springs is one of the best sites in all of Yellowstone. Even with less water coming onto the surface it is still very inspiring. The hydrothermal feature is unique in yellowstone in that Limestone is the prominent rock, not volcanic rocks as found in other basins. The water is heated by magma chamber below, some carbon dioxide mixes with it making a weak carbonic acid. Then the limestone is altered chemically by the acid/water and changes into travertine forming the terraces. More information can found at NPS.gov, USGS.gov
This Image features several dead trees. The Travertine Terraces are colored by algae with red, yellows.[Photographer: David Vineyard]
This Image is a wider angle of 1st image. The Travertine Terraces are colored by algae with red, yellows.[Photographer: David Vineyard]
This Image is wider still then previous images. The Travertine Terraces are colored by algae with red, yellows. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
This Image is looking north east over the Terraces towards Mt Everts. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
Contrasting the vibrancy of the algae and travertine with the dead tree. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
vContrasting an active part of the terrace with water and dry spot that is just exposed travertine. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
The Travertine Terraces are colored by algae with red, yellows with a Panoramic view behind. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
The upper Terraces are active right now. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
Tree shadows over and active pool [Photographer: David Vineyard]
Wider angle of previous image. [Photographer: David Vineyard]
The active and beautiful Hot Springs [Photographer: David Vineyard]
Active spring behind a group of dead trees.[Photographer: David Vineyard]