The last day of photography on our voyage home was spent in Yellowstone National Park, focused in large part on its geothermal hot spots. The central area of the park is located in a volcanic caldera and is still thermally active. The manifestation of this activity is hot water and steam coming to the surface in a variety of forms; geysers, hot springs, fumaroles (steam vents) and mudpots. In all cases, water circulates up and down through deep channels in the earth, propelled by convection. Cooler, heavier water from the surface sinks downward through the channels to a level deep in the earth where it is re-heated by hot magma. The hotter, lighter water travels upward to the surface where it cools and circulates back downward. The nature of the movement depends on the characteristics of the channels through which the water travels. Narrower channels produce more violent eruptions, geysers and fumaroles. Larger channels allow freer flow to the surface, pressure does not build and the release of hot vapour through hot springs and mudpots is much gentler.
The water rising through the earth traverses mineral layers and brings these minerals to the surface where they are deposited. These depositions produce interesting structures, such as the Travertine Terraces found at the Mammoth Hot Springs and brilliant colours as seen at the Lower and Mid-Geyser Basins. Following is a slideshow which displays a variety of all these forms of energy release from deep in the earth. It is a rare beauty, a stark landscape highlighted by the coloured mineral deposits. We were fortunate to be there on a brilliant, sunny day with blue skies and cumulus clouds as a backdrop to the photos. Here’s the slideshow:
Indeed, Yellowstone is mystical place for photographers!
As usual Uncle Pete wonderful shots. No one can believe that I’m related to you and think you should do a gallary showing. If you ever do let me know I’ll get my self their some how.