Nodular geyserite around Shell Spring (30 August 2011) 1
Geysers are hot springs that episodically erupt columns of water. They occur in few places on Earth. The highest concentration of geysers anywhere is at the Yellowstone Hotspot Volcano (northwestern Wyoming, USA).
Shell Spring is a frequently erupting geyser in the Sapphire Group of Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin. It is located about 30 meters west of Jewel Geyser. Bulbous lobes of geyserite surround Shell Spring’s vent. Pustulose to nodulose geyserite is present along the periphery. Eruptions involve low to moderately low splashing. When water levels are low, a small side vent on the southwestern side of the main vent engages in chugging/rhythmic sputtering. The name “Shell Spring” is in reference to its resemblance to the folds and sulci of the interior surface of an articulated tridacnid bivalve shell (e.g., Tridacna gigas).
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2013-2014 video of Shell Spring is posted at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-YKXfzuaxo
Nodular geyserite around Shell Spring (30 August 2011) 1
Geysers are hot springs that episodically erupt columns of water. They occur in few places on Earth. The highest concentration of geysers anywhere is at the Yellowstone Hotspot Volcano (northwestern Wyoming, USA).
Shell Spring is a frequently erupting geyser in the Sapphire Group of Yellowstone’s Upper Geyser Basin. It is located about 30 meters west of Jewel Geyser. Bulbous lobes of geyserite surround Shell Spring’s vent. Pustulose to nodulose geyserite is present along the periphery. Eruptions involve low to moderately low splashing. When water levels are low, a small side vent on the southwestern side of the main vent engages in chugging/rhythmic sputtering. The name “Shell Spring” is in reference to its resemblance to the folds and sulci of the interior surface of an articulated tridacnid bivalve shell (e.g., Tridacna gigas).
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2013-2014 video of Shell Spring is posted at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-YKXfzuaxo