Hello Laura,

That's the Grand Prismatic thermal pool in Midway Geyser Basin at Yellowstone National Park. The Grand Prismatic is approximately 250 by 300 feet and 160 feet deep. It discharges an estimated 560 gallons of 160°F water per minute.

The vivid colors in Grand Prismatic and other thermal pools at Yellowstone are the result of pigmented bacteria in the microbial mats growing around the edges of the mineral laden water. The bacteria produce colors ranging from green to red with the color depending on the ratio of chlorophyll to carotenoids, which varies with the seasons.

The Grand Prismatic thermal pool is quite spectacular and is one of the natural wonders of the world in my book. It alone is worth a trip to Yellowstone Park.

Keep on Rock'n!

From Bob Keller - September 09, 2008 at 08:30:03

Message: 66971