Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Porcelain Springs
Influencing a Landscape
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
1. Porcelain Springs Marker
The milky color of the mineral deposited here inspired the naming of Porcelain Basin and Porcelain Springs. The mineral, siliceous sinter, is brought to the surface by hot water and forms a sinter “sheet” over this flat area as the water flows across the ground and the mineral settles out. This is the fastest changing area in Norris Geyser Basin, and siliceous sinter is one of the agents of change. If the mineral seals off a hot spring or geyser by accumulating in its vent, the hot, pressurized water may flow underground to another weak area and blow through it.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 44° 43.706′ N, 110° 42.033′ W. Marker is in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in Park County. It is in Mammoth. Marker can be reached from Grand Loop Road (U.S. 89). Marker is located in the Porcelain Basin at the Norris Geyser Basin. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yellowstone National Park WY 82190, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Norris Geyser Basin (within shouting distance of this marker); Solfatara (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fumaroles (about 700 feet away);
this page online
More about this marker. A photograph on the right side of the marker has a caption of “Siliceous sinter is also called geyserite. Deposits usually accumulate very slowly – less than one inch (2.5 cm) per century – and form the geyser cones and mounds seen in most geyser basins.”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
2. Porcelain Springs Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
3. Marker at the Norris Geyser Basin
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
4. Porcelain Springs
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 308 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
