Many of the bright colors found in Yellowstone’s hydrothermal basins come from thermophiles—microorganisms that thrive in hot temperatures. So many individual microorganisms are grouped together—trillions! —that they appear as masses of color.
Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is home to the largest active geyser in the world, Steamboat Geyser. Steamboat can reach 380 feet and its steam phase can be heard miles away. Unfortunately, Steamboat is rare, the last major eruption was in 1991.
There are several spots with bubbling hot water …..
The hot flames are quite dramatic as they heat the air inside the balloons
Firing Up a Balloon
Creating Hot Air
Lighting Up the Burner
Photos by Ravi 