More Bacterial Beauty - Yellowstone National Park

If you have ever visited Yellowstone, you know it is a place of unmatched wonder. The canyons, rivers, forests and the wildlife of this national park are spread throughout 3 states, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Because the park sits on top of a volcanic hot spot, there are many basins full of mud pots, hot springs and, of course, geysers, the most famous being Old Faithful. One can find so much beauty on a grand scale here, it's easy to forget to check out the small stuff.

The geyser basins are full of little pools and streams that all seem to have their own personalities. The colors you see vary depending on the species of heat tolerant bacteria in water and soil. I believe what you see in the photos below is a mix of single-species yellow cyanobacteria and algae. (If anyone has any other information on what causes the yellow/gold color, I would love to hear it...please leave a comment below.) Anyhoo, don't think I have ever seen this particular kind of algae look so artistic.

I really like the texture and the contrast of colors added by the thin shards of rock. My favorite feature in the shot is the subtle ripples in the water...it reminds us that things are moving and ever-changing here in the geyser basin.