Mammoth Hot Springs

Minerva Terrace.
The cascades of travertine were formed in the 1990s. By early 2000 they dried out...

This place is located to the North from that giant caldera, left by the volcanic eruption more then six hundred thousand years ago, which created Yellowstone. The explosion emptied the magma chamber and its roof collapsed. It is possible, that under Mammoth Hot Springs there are pockets filled with magma left, which heat the water. Other possibility is that the heat comes from Norris Geysers basin - the hottest area in the park.

Water Pressure in this now dormant spring used to be so high, that it formed
this 37 feet sculpture. Explorers called this spring "Liberty cap",
as it resembles the peaked knit caps worn during French Revolution

	The water comes from rain and snow, then it heats under ground and rises to the surface. Limestone deposited millions of years ago when this place was a bottom of a vast sea, is now dissolved by the heated water, slightly acid from carbon dioxide. Calcium salts form the terraces of Mammoth Hot springs.
"Palette". This picture shows how rapidly this place may change: not too long ago these trees were captured by the growing hot spring

Jupiter and Mound terraces. In 1937 Mound terrace was the most beautiful spring here, but it had been inactive for several decades now. Jupiter was so prolific in 1980s, that it was overflowing the boardwalks, but since 1992 it is dry... As fas we were concerned, this looks like "Scream"

On of the Hot springs features - their changeableness. Springs are always changing, sometimes as quickly as in one night. This changes depend on the amount of water available, and configuration of the cracks in the ground, which water uses to get to the surface.
	Dry steps of the Minerva terrace

	Color depends on the type of microorganisms - thermopiles, thriving in it. Springs differ in acidity - some are acid, some alkaline, and in temperature. Usually, white and blue - are the hottest. Orange, green, and brown - are cooler.
Canary spring. Though it was bright yellow in the late 19th century, when the color was provided by bright filamentous bacteria. Now it is more green then yellow.

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Last updated: Monday, November 05, 2001