This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
You want some Yellowstone? You got some Yellowstone! Amanda Reese is one of my most talented friends, and she's just got her photography website up. After I did a lot of squeeing and awing and OMGing, she graciously agreed to let me filch a few of her images to show you. Because supervolcano. Love it!
Amanda says, "This is a must go to spot in Yellowstone. The insane reflections and endless colors are a photographers dream!" Geologist's dream, too! This is the largest hot spring in the United States and third largest in the world. Kipling called the area where it's found Hell's Half Acre - and lemme tell ya, if hell is this gorgeous, sign me up to go!
I love the patterns of the clouds reflected in the water, and the strange ground beneath. Amazing to think what molten rock, water, and bacteria combine to achieve here.
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The water looks cool blue serene, but it's hot! And hidden: "This is a hidden gem in Yellowstone. Very few tourists and was an absolute highlight of our trip. This thermal pool was one of few not roped off so I was able to get very close for this shot." One of the things I love about hot springs, other than their colors, is feeling their warmth (mind you, I don't dabble me toes in the boiling ones!) and knowing that the heat is coming from within the earth. It's a tangible reminder of the power beneath Earth's skin.
Mind you, the cold water around Yellowstone is mind-blowing, too - our own Anne Jefferson reminds us that those cold rivers and streams might move more heat than the flashy geysers and showy hot springs!
"The sky opening up after an afternoon storm." Those crepuscular rays are phenomenal.
All right, I know this isn't geology, but I couldn't resist showing you them:
They look like lovers, don't they just? Actually: "Two flamingos in a battle over food. Even when fighting they still appear so fragile and beautiful." Amanda has an extraordinary talent for bringing out that fragile beauty in wildlife. She's also amazing with kids and people and architecture and art and... well, basically, if it can be photographed, she'll photograph it marvelously! Go enjoy her site. She'll be accompanying me on some geoadventures this summer, so you'll see more of her round here, too!
And if any of you Puget Sound locals need a photographer, allow me to gently nudge you Amanda's way with a meaningful clearing of the throat.
