Grand Prismatic Spring In Yellowstone National Park

In 1871, Grand Prismatic Spring was discovered and named by the Hayden Expedition for its striking coloration. Later, many geologists, traveled to the area to confirm the colors described by explorers and trappers. Grand Prismatic Spring is noted for being the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park and third largest in the world. The spring is located halfway between the Upper and Lower Geyser Basins. The central location provides dramatic scenery for Yellowstone’s fast visitors. The spring is approximately 90 meters wide and 50 meters deep and expels an estimated 560 gallons of water per minute. A hot spring such as Grand Prismatic Spring, is an area where heated water can easily rise through cracks and fractures in the
Amazingly, they are also habitats in which microscopic organisms called thermophiles—“thermo” for heat, “phile” for lover—survive and thrive. Grand Prismatic Spring at Midway Geyser Basin (above) is an outstanding example of this dual characteristic. Visitors are awed by its size and admire its brilliant colors. However, the boardwalk they follow (lower right corner of photo) spans a vast habitat for a variety of thermophiles. Drawing on energy and chemical building blocks available in the hot springs, microbes construct substantial communities throughout the
Methods used include scanning the landscape for areas of elevated heat or indicators of water. NASA has also used reflection of infrared and absorption of blue and red light waves as a biomarker; these wavelengths reflections and absorptions are characteristic of photosynthesizing organisms. On the surface, several methods can be employed to search for presence of organisms. One method would be the use of temperature gradients. Another approach would be a change in color such as those demonstrated in the cyanobacteria of Grand Prismatic Spring. Fossils and stromatolite type remains would be strong indicators of the existence living organisms at some point in time. Finally, terracing such as that demonstrated by the cyanobacteria could imply the existence of living organisms.

1. Janiskee, Bob. "Thermophile Research in Yellowstone Helps Guide the Search for Extraterrestrial Life | National Parks Traveler." Commentary, News, and Life in America's Parks | National Parks Traveler. 10 Jan. 2011. Web. 27 Sept. 2011.