Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Aurum Geyser,
Latin for “gold,” gets its color from iron oxide inside its tiny geyserite
mound. Aurum erupts for about one minute at intervals varying from about 3 to 12 hours,
with the more frequent intervals in winter and spring. Sometimes it sprays the boardwalk with
spurts up to 25 feet (8 m) high. Notice the large and uniform geyser eggs in Aurum's overflow
pool.
Giantess Geyser, September 5, 2001
Doublet Pool
was called The Quaker by nineteenth century tour guide, George Hender-
son. Standing near it, you can sometimes hear and feel vibrations, probably caused by the col-
lapse of steam bubbles within the pool. Its overhanging geyserite ledge is unusually wide and
thin (and dangerous!); other ledges partway down indicate previous lower water levels.
Sponge Geyser
is barely a geyser at all, but it may have been one in the past or at least has
been building its cone for a very long time. It resembles a sponge both in its highly perforated
surface and its light beige color. When active, its water boils up to the rim, then sinks out of
sight.
Pump Geyser
and two small vents nearby called
he Pump
can be counted on to splash
more or less vigorously almost without a break. Their constant runoff creates ideal conditions
for large beds of orange and brown microbes.
