Palette Springs, Yellowstone National Park

September 12, 2016

Palette Spring and Devil's Thumb, 1-20-16 (1)

Palette Spring and Devil's Thumb, 5-30-16 (1)
 
September 2016 Viewer's Choice
Photographer: George Seielstad
Summary Authors: George Seielstad; Jim Foster
 
Shown above is Palette Spring and Devils Thumb in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. The top photo was taken on January 16, 2016 and the bottom photo on May 30, 2016. The palette of colors of these striking springs are determined by the existence of microbial mats; a particular color or hue depends upon the particular species of microbes present, each of which thrives in different temperatures. For instance, the microbes generating the dominant orange color, Oscillatoria, are more responsive when the temperature is less than about 68 F (20 C). However, a seasonal effect is present as well, primarily due to more vigorous photosynthesis occurring during the spring season.
 
Photo Details: Top - Camera Model: NIKON D300; Lens: 28.0-70.0 mm f/3.5-4.5; Focal Length: 28mm (35mm equivalent: 42mm); Aperture: ƒ/11.0; Exposure Time: 0.013 s (1/80); ISO equiv: 400; Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements 14.0 (Windows). Bottom: same except - Aperture: ƒ/16.0; Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200).