Mammoth Hot Springs is a large hot spring complex in the northwest corner of the park near Fort Yellowstone. Mammoth is a large hill of travertine created over thousands of years as hot water deposited calcium carbonate. Hot wat from Norris Geyser Basin travels underground via a fault line that runs through limestone which feeds Mammoth. Water is generally about 170F. Algea lives in the warm pools which tints the travertine shades of brown, orange, red and green. Elk, bison and other animals visit during winter taking advantage of the warm springs.
Palette Spring is created by flowing water and heat-loving bacteria growing on the Lower Terraces.
Canary Spring and Terrace in the Upper Terrace of Mammoth Hot Springs. Temp[erature 160F which includes Blue, Jupiter, Naiad and Main Springs. The name canary was in reference to the yellow filamentous algae growing along the edge of the spring. Canary Spring is now known for its ultramarine-colored pool. The water flows down the face of the terrace creating multi-colored bands of algae and cyanobacteria.
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