Fountain Paint Pot, Geothermal mudpot in Lower Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, United States.
Fountain Paint Pot is a collection of hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud formations in the Lower Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park. The area displays varied colors and textures throughout the year, created by heat-loving microorganisms and changing mineral concentrations in the water.
The area gained additional geothermal features following the 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake, including the Red Spouter, which combines water, mud, and steam. This event altered underground pressures and created new pathways for geothermal activity in this section of the basin.
Scientists and geologists study this location to understand the interactions between microorganisms and extreme thermal environments in Yellowstone's volcanic system.
A half-mile boardwalk loop provides access to multiple thermal features, with the walk taking about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. The path is well-marked and relatively flat, making it accessible, though the area can be muddy in spring and after rain.
The mud consistency changes naturally throughout the year, becoming more liquid during spring rainfall and thicker in late summer due to reduced water content. These seasonal changes also influence the colors of the mud formations, creating an ever-changing visual experience.
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