This is the mud/pool/geyser at Paintpot. Apparently the mud forms if there is insufficient water to form a geyser. The steam and sufuric acid disolves the rock and it remains as this acidic mud because it is located above the water table. Below the water table you get pools and geysers. In may cases the plumbing beneath the features is connected. Pools frequently empty during eruptions only to refill within days. The varied colors surrounding the pools are caused by the bacteria that live there. The whites and blues live in hotter water and the reds, yellows and browns in cooler water. Each has its preferred temperature. Its really not quite that simple but thats all I cared enough to grasp:) Wasn't that interesting! Stay tuned for more of "Bob the science guy" tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment