Anonymous

“ Being a quiet pool, deposition of travertine is at a slow rate and the water remains highly mineralized with limestone. According to the old records Bath Lake was entirely dry in 1926 and remained that way until the 1959 earthquake. Although the name of this feature derives from the soldiers’ habit of swimming in it, we now know that this activity damages the bacteria and algae which are part of what the park exists to preserve. Bathing in thermal features is also unsafe and unlawful. ”

“ Travertine is deposited as a white mineral, yet whenever hot water glistens on its surface the formation is brilliant with color. The oranges, yellows, greens and browns are from a great number of tiny living bacteria and algae. Approximately sixty-five species of thermal algae live in the waters of Mammoth Hot Springs and reflect varying conditions of such environmental factors as temperature, acidity, sunlight and carbon dioxide concentrations. ”

“ As the ground water seeps slowly downward into the limestone it comes in contact with hot gases rising from the magma chamber which are heavily charged with carbon dioxide. Some of the carbon dioxide is readily absorbed to form a carbonic acid solution. Ordinarily water can only slowly dissolve limestone, but the hot, acidic solution rapidly dissolves great quantities of it. ”

“ Once exposed to the open air some of the carbon dioxide escapes from the solution, thus reducing the acidic level. As this happens, the lime, no longer able to remain in solution, is deposited as travertine in the shape and form of a terrace.
Looking at the terraces you can visualize the amount of limestone excavated. Geologists estimate that the Mammoth Hot Springs water carries more than two tons of dissolved limestone to the ground surface each day. ”

“ The drive is a one-way loop road and due to several sharp turns it is necessary to exclude towing units, buses and motor homes in excess of 25 feet in length. Remember that thin crust and very hot water make caution especially important when you are near thermal features. ”

“ Alteration and change are constantly occurring in the thermal basins and add to the mystery of this fascinating land. They bring not destruction and loss, but rather new birth and gain. Who knows what interesting ornate new features may develop by next year, or in five years. ”

“ This viewpoint offers an excellent overview of the springs and pools of the Lower Terraces. The large blue pool ahead and to the right is Canary Spring. The pools visible to the left are the New Blue Springs complex. The names of these features suggest colors which are inconsistent with what we see today. The color of both features has changed from when they were originally named. Changes in environmental conditions may account for this: perhaps a change in water temperature.
The trail to the left goes around New Blue Spring and on down over the terraces to Minerva Spring. ”

“ The ecological community in this section of the upper terraces is worth noting. The high content of decayed travertine produces a porous soil which dries out quickly. Consequently, vegetation is sparse and is limited to those species which are tolerant of such conditions. ”

“ ICE VENDOR POST OFFICE CLINIC ADMIN. BLDG. CAMPGROUND PHONE NORTH ENTRANCE 5 MILES Water falling on areas south of Mammoth Hot Springs seeps into limestone strata. water + carbon dioxide → mild carbonic acid; this dissolves limestone Carbon dioxide gas rises from magma. magma Hot mineral springs flow from cracks. fault zone Gas (mainly carbon dioxide) escapes—limestone (travertine) forms Board walk The Yellowstone Association ”