It was a cool crisp morning when we started our walk around the Yellowstone caldera to see the many thermal features. A mini-tutorial on the Yellowstone thermo-dynamics might provide a better understanding following pictures. Normally the earth's crust, which rides on molten magma, is about 35 miles thick. In the Yellowstone area the Earth's crust is 8 miles thick. The proximity of the magma chamber to the surface is what drives the park thermal features. There are four main types of hydro-thermal features in the park, geysers, steam vents, mud pots and hot springs. GEYSERS: Most of us are familiar with geysers like 'Old Faithful'. Water, heated by the underground hot spot, like a teapot, is forced through a small opening after the pressure builds up. In the case of Old Faithful the opening is about 6 inches. During a typical eruption, about 5000 gallons of water is forced through the vent to a hight of 145 feet for a duration of 1.5 to 5 minutes. Today the predictable timing of eruptions is 65 minutes after an eruption lasting less than 2.5 minutes to 91 minutes after an eruption of more than 2.5 minutes, +/- 10 minutes. ( photo / image / picture from Jerry Sullivan's Garden ) STEAM VENTS Steam vents or fumaroles are underground hot springs where the water turns to steam before reaching the surface. The steam condenses into water vapor as it escapes from the surface vent. ( photo / image / picture from Jerry Sullivan's Garden ) MUD POTS Mud pots have a limited supply of water, they contain microorganisms that convert the venting hydrogen sulfide gas to sulfuric acid. The acid breaks down the rock causing the sides to collapse into a pool of mud. The mud pot changes with the seasons and water supply. ( photo / image / picture from Jerry Sullivan's Garden ) HOT SPRINGS The springs of heated water provide a multitude of prismatic colors. Algae living near the springs survive and flourish in the hot environment, their color indicating the temperature of the water. ( photo / image / picture from Jerry Sullivan's Garden ) Jerry
What a grand tour you two are taking. My oldest daughter teaches science at a private school and every Labor Day weekend she and some of her students and parents travel to either Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon. This year was Yellowstone, they all love it there.
So very beautiful Jerry. Wish I was a mouse in your pocket just to sneak a view but I will have to settle for your photos. It's the next best thing to being there. Thanks. Barb in Pa.
When I see pictures like this it makes me realise even more just what a marvelous place our planet is.Thanks for sharing your shots.
Jerry--Yes that place is a wonder to see. Been there done that. Great pic's. I wish they had some thermal baths that one could take a dip in though. We would love to see it in the fall. I bet the color would be beautiful.
