Frontiers

Hot mud flow
Viscous materials
Sorted by grain size

Thermopile organisms subsist and thrive in radical conditions, such as the extreme heat and acid present in Yellowstone’s various hydrothermal environments. Some thermophiles manufacture sulfuric acid, using hydrogen sulfide as an energy source, which subsequently breaks-down rock into clay minerals.

“The mind becomes clearer, the faculties are more alive, and ideas spring forth more spontaneously.” – Pierre-Jean De Smet

Transfer of heat
Surface manifestation
Volcanic caldera

Volcanic activity reaffirms the dynamic nature of the inner, rocky planets of the solar system. Planetary evolution proceeds dependent on terrestrial composition, mass, and distance from the Sun. The Earth is massive enough to be configured by its own gravity, but not massive enough to cause thermonuclear fusion.

“Remind me that the most fertile lands were built by the fires of volcanoes.” – Andrea Gibson

Glacial moraine
Ancient lava flow
Valley bottom

A geologically active primordial terrain displays some of our planet’s most fundamental dynamic processes. Sojourning in such wild diverse landscapes provides immense inspiration.

“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” – Susan Sontag

Hydrothermal features
Magnificent evidence
Volcanic activity

Visible and imperceptible change occurs in thermophile aggregations as sunlight, air-temperature, and environmental chemical concentrations dynamically interact. Responsive vital and functional life existence may have originated in similar extreme conditions, feasibly widespread on ancient Earth.

“People for thousands of years likely have wondered about these extreme habitats.” – Mary Ann Franke

Deep pool
Lined with yellow
Sulfur deposits

Located in the Yellowstone National Park geothermal hot-spot of Norris Geyser Basin, Emerald Spring is 27 feet deep with a Fahrenheit water temperature hovering around 182 degrees.

“Other parts of Norris, those with natural springs, tend to be emerald green due to the blue of refracted light in combination with the yellow of sulfur lining the pool.” – Courtney Holden

Fine-grained matrix
Geothermal mud
Flow axis

As an enigmatic ambiance enriches the geothermal landscape on a winter morning, temperature gradients drive the Yellowstone environment.

“There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

Deep accordance
Diversified cluster
Excitatory mechanism

A visible expression of the immense Yellowstone volcano, geothermal steam rises gracefully in the morning sun as the geyser basin percolates.

“The world’s big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir

Planetary accretion
Primordial heat
Convection conduction

Between the land and atmosphere, seasonal tendencies dominant the landscape during the Yellowstone winter. Much deeper than appearances, these active hydrothermal features indicate an intricate volcanic system pulsing below. Dynamic temperature contrasts and energy transfers are on full display.

“The fluidity of a material is proportional to temperature; thus, the solid mantle can still flow on long time scales, as a function of its temperature and therefore as a function of the flow of Earth’s internal heat.” – Donald L. Turcotte

Wind break
Dwelling defense
Thermal temperament

In a wide-open expanse of western high prairie, a domicile endures the harsh seasons. A functional analysis indicates a residential mobility pattern is more consistent with the prevailing environmental conditions.

“The prairie skies can always make you see more than what you believe.” – Jackson Burnett

Gently simmering
Varying shades
Texture range

A mile-long loop trail negotiates a significant thermal area. Governmental control here seeks to allow appreciation access with minimal environmental damage to the site coupled with visitor safety.

“The mud in the area varies in consistency, with some sections very runny and others thick as, well, mud.” – Courtney Holden