Orange Spring Mound, Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming

I love the almost painted effect of this beautiful formation, seen at Mammonth Hot Springs. Taken on 12 September 2012, during a holiday to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

"Bacteria and algae create the streaks of color on Orange Spring Mound. It is noticeably different from many of the other terrace formations nearby. Its large mounded shape is the result of very slow water flow and mineral deposition." Heat dwelling bacteria and algae grow abundantly in Orange Spring Mound's water creating tapestries of "living color", as seen in the photo above. If you have time, it's quite an interesting photo to see in original size.