Survival Impossible
The upper terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs are among the most fungible of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone. As the dissolved minerals in the heated water emanating from underground precipitate in the "plumbing" outlets may become plugged forcing the water to escape through new fissures. The mineral content and alkalinity or acidity of the water are incompatible with most plant life, and any tree that dared set down roots in its way is doomed when its roots become inundated. The remains can be very sculptural!
The meringue-like snow persisting on the terrace indicates that today, the ground in this area is no longer significantly warmed by thermal activity, so what was once a new outlet for hot water is itself now quiescent.
Survival Impossible
The upper terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs are among the most fungible of hydrothermal features in Yellowstone. As the dissolved minerals in the heated water emanating from underground precipitate in the "plumbing" outlets may become plugged forcing the water to escape through new fissures. The mineral content and alkalinity or acidity of the water are incompatible with most plant life, and any tree that dared set down roots in its way is doomed when its roots become inundated. The remains can be very sculptural!
The meringue-like snow persisting on the terrace indicates that today, the ground in this area is no longer significantly warmed by thermal activity, so what was once a new outlet for hot water is itself now quiescent.