Collecting USGS imaging spectrometer data in Yellowstone National Park

The photo shows Raymond Kokaly (USGS research geophysicist) operating a HySpex™ imaging spectrometer to collect hyperspectral images of a section of porcelain basin, part of Norris geyser basin, in Yellowstone National Park. USGS is conducting hyperspectral imaging in Yellowstone National Park to improve our understanding of the geologic and biologic processes occurring in the park. These activities will help to understand microbial and mineral variations across the surface that indicate past hydrothermal activity, the current flow of hot water through the rock, and will be used to identify changes in geologic activity in the future.