Canary Springs
The upper terraces at Canary Springs which is part of Mammoth Hot Springs are composed of calcium carbonate. The terraces are colored by orange, yellows and cream colored thermophilic organisms. The water for the hot springs comes from precipitation in the surrounding mountains that runs down into the subsurface. The water is heated at depth. As the water rises it dissolves limestone in the subsurface beneath Mammoth and the surrounding mountains. The hot carbonate rich water comes to the surface and forms the travertine terraces. Geologists estimate that at any given time about 10% of the water in Mammoth Hot Springs is on the surface. The other 90% remains underground.
Canary Springs
The upper terraces at Canary Springs which is part of Mammoth Hot Springs are composed of calcium carbonate. The terraces are colored by orange, yellows and cream colored thermophilic organisms. The water for the hot springs comes from precipitation in the surrounding mountains that runs down into the subsurface. The water is heated at depth. As the water rises it dissolves limestone in the subsurface beneath Mammoth and the surrounding mountains. The hot carbonate rich water comes to the surface and forms the travertine terraces. Geologists estimate that at any given time about 10% of the water in Mammoth Hot Springs is on the surface. The other 90% remains underground.