Jupiter Terrace, Yellowstone Park, Wyo, U.S.A.

B.L. Singley,

Publication

Jupiter Terrace, Yellowstone Park, Wyo, U.S.A.

B.L. Singley,

Description

Six miles South from Cinnabar are located the Mammoth Hot Springs of the Yellowstone Park. The formations that have been built by these springs of the Yellowstone Park. The formations that have been built by these springs are wonderful. Curiously enough, instead of the usual erosive action of flowing water, here we find the steady upbuilding of the substance which constitutes these formations. This is due to the fact that the hot water holds in solution a great deal of silicious material which is constantly being deposited as the water cools in flowing over the mounds, thus having formed the famous Hot Spring Terraces which tower up like huge staircases of marble and produce, as the warm water passes over them, gently flowing cascades of marvelous beauty. At the top of each step is a pool of boiling water radiant with bright hues. No picture or painting does justice to the beautiful coloring of these terraces. For a long time it was thought that each spring held in solution different materials which imparted to their water this variety of colors, but later scientific men discovered that the coloring was due to plants known as Algae. These palnts are of low organization and thrive very well in the warm water. Soon after the plants die, the terrace becomes a a uniform color.