You know, I am almost ashamed to show my ignorance about this feature of the park... that is, until our visit here this summer. I was actually never aware of many of the natural features of this wonderful park of which, I literally had "NO CLUE." But now that we've been there, I can say things like; "Well... I thought EVERYONE knew that!" But now this will have to be our little secret! These pots were very interesting, but I wouldn't say they were beautiful, but darn, they sure were unique. And I must say that I've never seen anything quite like then before. Boiling mud that made aweful noises and even worse smells. Also things like the fact that the whole parimeter of the Yellowstone Park is actually a caldera from the volcano that created Yellowstone. As we looked around that huge area, it was just hard to imagine it was all part of a volcano that blew its top some millions of years ago. But yet still seems to be boiling to this day.
The more popular geysers often overshadow the mud pots. These natural wonders should not be missed though. Although the mud pots are not as picturesque as the hot springs and the pools, these turbulent pools of hot, muddy water, and bizarre landscapes are another feature that makes Yellowstone National Park so very unique.
We were told by the guide that "as you experience the mud pots and volcanoes, to be aware that you are close to one of the major vents from which lava flowed through the caldera's collapse". These areas are active and known as resurging domes. They are always being monitored closely for information about future volcanic activity here. As you experience the mud pots, you are certain to smell a distinct odor. The presence of sulfur in mud pots separates them from the Hot Springs. In the form of hydrogen sulfide gas, sulfur is what creates the infamous odor. In some areas it was so strong that I almost had to hold my nose.
At Fountain Paint Pot Fountain Paint Pot Trail - On the Fountain Paint Pot trail, you will find all four types of thermal features. Geysers, mud pots, hot springs, and fumaroles are all along a short boardwalk.
Silex Spring - Silex spring's water supply is so great that it usually overflows throughout the year. The overflow provides a habitat for mats and various types of bacterial. Those are what seem to cause the very unusual colors around not only some of the mud pots, but also many of the geyers as well. Our guide also shared that they have found that some of these bacteria can actully live in 160 plus degree water and mud.
Also with Fountain Paint Pot, what you see here depends on what time of the year you visit. In early summer the mud is thin and watery, by late summer, the mud has become quite thick. Bubbling caused by steam changes as the mud thickens. It was very thick when we were there.
Due to viewers popular post requests, I have also included some more shots from the general area that I took these mud pot shots. I hope you enjoy especially without the pungent smell of the sulfur!
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." ~ Leo Tolstoy
