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Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
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Mammoth Hot Springs is physically dominated by the impressive terraces. These are formed when geothermally heated water flowing through and dissolving subsurface sedimentary rocks such as limestone and dolomite reach the surface. The water, laden with high concentrations of calcium, bicarbonate and sulfur, cools. Salts no longer remain in solution. Calcium carbonate, a major component of limestone, precipitates, creating beautiful travertine formations. Map produced by the Spatial Analysis Center, Yellowstone National Park. This picture was taken by Brett Leigh Dicks. Image copyright: Globe Pequot Press, used under license to MBL (micro*scope).
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