Patterns Of LIfe

Traces of life at its most basic make up these abstract patterns in the runoff waters of the largest hot thermal spring in North America. The bacteria mats of the Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park weave erratic yet intricate and mesmerizing patterns of miniature terraces on the gentle slopes leading away from the spring. With more than 800,000 gallons of water spilling out of the spring each day with a water temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit these terraces are a breeding ground for the most basic of life forms – bacteria. And despite the simplicity of bacteria, they weave a most intricate pattern in the runoff reflecting the intricacies of all life on our planet itself. If you’ve never marveled at life, do so now.