Fountain Paint Pots

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Closeup view of a mudpot at Fountain Paint Pots.
Closeup view of a mudpot at Fountain Paint Pots.
Two large mudpots at Fountain Paint Pots.
Two large mudpots at Fountain Paint Pots.

The Fountain Paint Pots are a group of mud pots located between the Midway and Lower Geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park.

The Fountain Paint Pots are named for the reds, yellows and browns of the mud pots in this area. The differing colors are derived from oxidation states of the iron in the mud.[1] As with hot springs, the heat in the caldera forces pressurized water up through the ground, causing the mud to boil. The bubble action in the mudpots varies with the seasons. In the early summer, the mud is watery from the high water table due to rain and snow melt. By the end of summer, the mud is much thicker as the water table drops.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Fountain Paint Pots. Historic 3-D Geology Tour of Yellowstone National Park. Retrieved on 2005-09-16.
  2. ^ Fountain Paint Pot. Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail Tour. Retrieved on 2005-09-16.

[edit] External links

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