Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs – One of the iconic thermal features in Yellowstone National Park. From year to year, subtle changes can be seen in the structure of the spring.  As the hot water flows over the spring it deposits minerals along the way creating the terraces seen here.  There is very little structural strength to the terraces.  In fact, the prominent feature in the upper-middle of this image collapsed from its own weight during the winter following this photograph. From day to day the hot spring gives a different feel depending on the atmospheric conditions. This image was captured on a warm and bright day.