Thermophiles, Fumaroles, and Mudpots
Research on Thermophiles
Research has been conducted on Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features for almost 150 years. Research of the microorganisms in the park’s hydrothermal features stretches our understanding of the limits of life on our planet and has far-reaching implications. Investigation of these tiny organisms has been responsible for revolutionary improvements in health care and diagnostic analysis, and also guides our search for life on other planets.
Fumaroles
Fumaroles are openings in the earth’s crust from which steam and gases rush into the air. Fumaroles are much like hot springs, but there either isn't enough water, or the underground rock is too hot and boils off all of the water, not allowing a pool to form. The small amount of water that does seep into the area is converted to steam and expelled from the vent, oftentimes creating a hissing noise. One example of a hissing fumarole at Yellowstone is the fumarole at Roaring Mountain.
Fumaroles may persist for decades or centuries if they are above a persistent heat source, or disappear within weeks to months if they occur atop a fresh volcanic deposit that quickly cools.
There are approximately four thousand fumaroles within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park.
Mudpots
Mudpots (sometimes also called mud pools or paint pots) are thermal areas where water-saturated sediment (similar to clay) is affected by the super-heated steam that exists below the earth’s surface. Rising steam forces upward through the mud and ground water, bursting forth and sending small explosions of mud into the air. The mud found in mudpots is generally white to greyish in color, although sometimes it is stained with reddish or pink spots which result from the presence of iron compounds. When the slurry is particularly colorful, the feature is sometimes referred to as a "paint pot."
In places where hot water is limited and sulfide gas is present, sulfuric acid is generated, giving off the rotten egg smell that is common to thermal areas. The acid dissolves the surrounding rock into fine particles of silica and clay that mix with what little water there is to form the seething and bubbling mudpots. The thickness of the mud in any particular mudpot usually changes along with seasonal changes in the water table.
The sights, sounds and smells of areas like Artist and Fountain mudpots and Mud Volcano make these curious features some of the most fascinating in Yellowstone National Park.
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