Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park in Park County, Wyoming — The American West (Mountains)
Norris Geyser Basin
Porcelain Basin
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
1. Norris Geyser Basin Marker
In this raw, acidic land where iron and arsenic abound, thermophiles and extremophiles – microorganisms that live in heat and other extremes – inhabit geysers and hot springs.
Many pools are opalescent, or cloudy. Look for murky waters, caused by silica in the water. Colloidal Pool is a perfect example – usually! Here at Norris Geyser Basin where changes are common, a “perfect example” might change at any time.
Geyser Basin Glossary
Thermophile: A microorganism that inhabits a very hot place, such as a geyser or hot spring.
Extremophile: A microorganism that lives in extreme conditions such as heat and acid – and cannot survive without these extremes.
Colloid: Fine particles suspended in liquid that do not settle to the bottom or easily filter out.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 44° 43.694′ N, 110° 42.071′ 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.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Porcelain Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); Solfatara (within shouting distance of this marker); Fumaroles (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Living Thermometer (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Norris Geyser Basin (about 800 feet away); The Norris Area (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Norris Geyser Basin (approx. 0.2 miles away); The National Park System (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yellowstone National Park.
More about this marker. A map of the Norris Geyser Basin appears on the right side of the marker. A photo of Colloidal Pool on the left side of the marker has a caption of “Colloidal Pool is named for the particles suspended on it, giving the water a cloudy appearance.” A photograph at the bottom right of the marker depicts “Thermophiles in Pinwheel Geyser’s runoff channel.”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
2. Norris Geyser Basin Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
3. Norris Geyser Basin
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
4. Hot Spring at Norris Geyser Basin
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 29, 2015
5. Norris Geyser Basin Thermal Feature
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 253 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2015, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
