In the runoff area of tortoise shell spring a buffalo hoof print in the 150 ̊- 130̊F water is tolerable and supports cyanobacteria creating the colors
Thermal features in the orange band, which is a cooler 149 degrees F (65 degrees C), you'd find not only Synechococcus bacteria but also Chloroflexus bacteria, which also contain both chlorophyll, for photosynthesis, and the carrot-colored carotenoids. Two other bacteria that produce orange-colored mats, Phormidium and Oscillatoria. Farther from the center of the hot spring, the temperatures get lower and there is a greater diversity of microbes that can survive there. The outermost layer, at 131 degrees Fahrenheit (55 degrees Celsius), is a red-brown or burgundy color. Another carotenoid-carrying microbe also comes into play at this temperature: Deinococcus-Thermus Thermus creates bright red or orange streamers.
Size: 3504px × 2336px
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Photo credit: © Gary Schimelfenig / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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