Fumaroles
Letting off Steam
Listen intently for the hiss of steam escaping the mountain. Fumaroles are sometimes barely audible, but sometimes roar as steam rushes upward through narrow vents. during the 1800s, Roaring Mountain was, at times, heard four miles away at Obsidian Cliff.
Photo
As hydrogen sulfide and sulfur gases escape the underworld, yellow sulfur crystals are sometimes left where gases mix with air. Sulfur-eating thermophiles may reside at the vents, assisting with the formation of sulfur.
Scientists are discovering the amazing tenacity of life. Because organisms live and prosper in hot, gaseous conditions on Earth, perhaps even extreme environments of other worlds can support life.
Drawing
A fumarole or steam vent's underground plumbing system is nearly dry. The small amount of heated water in the vent bursts into steam, and is forcefully expelled with other gases.
This exhibit made possible by a generous grant to the Yellowstone Park Foundation from NASA Astrobiology Institute and Lockheed Martin Space Operations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine.
Location. 44° 46.867′ N, 110° 44.452′ W. Marker is in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in Park County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Roaring Mountain (here, next to this marker); Obsidian Cliff (approx. 3 miles away); Norris Soldier Station (approx. 3.8 miles away); Living Thermometer (approx. 4.1 miles away); Norris Geyser Basin (approx. 4.1 miles away); a different marker also named Fumaroles (approx. 4.1 miles away); Porcelain Springs (approx. 4.1 miles away); Solfatara (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 531 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2011, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
