Orange Spring Mound, located at Mammoth Hot Springs, was formed by mineral deposition but assumes a shape much different than the nearby travertine terraces, probably due to the slow flow of the springs at the top of the mound. It measures roughly 50 feet (16m) by 20 feet (7m). Thermophilic cyanobacteria – primarily the orange forms which thrive in waters cooler than those in the nearby travertine terraces – responsible for the streaks of color down the sides of the mound. Seasonal variations in temperature cause the mounds colors to vary. Orange Spring Mound's springs have been active since at least 1871 although one of the primary springs ceased flowing in 1924.
Detail showing mineral deposition and thermophilic cyanobacteria and algae, Orange Spring Mound. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Image ID: 07286
Format: Digital 3:2
Detail showing mineral deposition and thermophilic cyanobacteria and algae, Orange Spring Mound. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Image ID: 07286
Format: Digital 3:2
Keywords: environment, geothermal, geothermal features, landscape, national parks, nature, orange spring mound, outdoors, outside, scene, scenery, scenic, spring, usa, world heritage sites, wyoming, yellowstone, yellowstone national park, yellowstone park
Categories:
- Location > Protected Threatened and Significant Places > National Parks > Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) > Geothermal Features > Spring > Orange Spring Mound
- Location > Protected Threatened and Significant Places > World Heritage Sites > Yellowstone National Park (USA)
- Location > USA > Wyoming > Yellowstone National Park
- Natural World > Geothermal Features > Spring
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