World of the Bizarre

Yellowstone spring turns bright green

By T.K. Randall
March 15, 2015

Image: Grand Prismatic Spring (2013)
Credit: James St. John / CC BY 2.0 (adapted) One of Yellowstone's most impressive natural wonders, the crystal blue waters of the spring have been attracting visitors for decades.

Over time however the tradition of throwing coins in to the spring for good luck has meant that the previously pristine blue waters of the spring have slowly turned a rather garish green color.

The problem has been exacerbated by a tendency for some visitors to throw rocks and even items of rubbish in to the pool.This accumulation of objects gradually clogged up the vents beneath the spring and the subsequent lack of water circulation lowered the temperature of the water, leading to the migration of orange-coloured thermophilic bacteria towards the center of the pool.

Despite its change in color however the spring, which has more recently earned the rather less appealing nickname 'Fading Glory', still remains a popular attraction for tourists.

In time the pool may even return to its original blue color.

Source: Independent

Tags: Yellowstone, Hot Springs