Yellowstone NP - Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park. It was created over thousands of years... more

by Richard Krebs

Title

Yellowstone NP - Mammoth Hot Springs

Artist

Richard Krebs

Medium

Photograph

Description

Mammoth Hot Springs is a large complex of hot springs on a hill of travertine in Yellowstone National Park. It was created over thousands of years as hot water from the springs cooled and deposited calcium carbonate. Because of the large number of geothermal vents, travertine flourishes. The hot water that feeds Mammoth comes from the Norris Geyser Basin after traveling underground through a fault line that runs through limestone. Shallow circulation along this fault line allows the superheated water from Norris to cool slightly before surfacing at Mammoth. Algae living in the warm pools have colored the travertine shades of brown, orange, red, white and green.
Not only is Mammoth one of the most unique features of Yellowstone, but it is a wonder of nature and a singular example of this type of extensive hot springs in the USA. A trip to Yellowstone would not be complete without spending time at Mammoth Hot Springs. (Source: Wikipedia)

Uploaded

November 1st, 2021