Microbial Mats in Yellowstone Hot Spring Outflow (IMAGE)

Stanford University

Microbial Mats in Yellowstone Hot Spring Outflow

Caption

Green and orange photosynthetic microbial mats line an outflow channel from a hot spring in Yellowstone National Park. These thin mats grow only where the downstream water temperature falls below 73 C. The mats become thicker and more complex as the temperature drops. Stanford researchers found evidence for cooler waters in the ancient global ocean that would have allowed photosynthetic life to spread far beyond such narrow confines.

Credit

Michael Tice, Texas A&M University

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.