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Small hot spring in the Back Basin of Norris Geyser Basin

September 2026 (approx.)

Detailed Description

Small hot spring in the Back Basin of Norris Geyser Basin.  The opalescent blue color is caused by silica, which has precipitated out of the water to form small clumps that float and interact with light (in a process called Tyndall scattering), resulting in a blue color.   National Park Service photo by Brandon Duktig, 2026.

Sources/Usage

Public Domain.

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