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The Lower Geyser Basin
The Lower Geyser Basin is North of the Upper and Midway basins on the grand loop road. This can be a bit confusing to some, since our general sense of direction see north as up, and south as down. Though a bit more spread out, and less concentrated than the Upper Basin, the Lower is still a major thermal area, containing many impressive geysers, and hot springs.


The walks and terraces of the lower basin. It is often difficult to tell some of these areas apart. I had to carefully check my notes, and verify that this was indeed the lower basin, as it looks quite similar to the Geyser Hill area of the Upper Basin.


A boardwalk on the lower basin. The area is more spread out, and the features spaced a bit more widely than at the more densely featured upper basin. Still, the area is well worth a visit.

I believe this is anenome Geyser.

Heading up the boardwalk towards Clepsydra Geyser

Clepsydra Geyser

Clepsydra Geyser erupts from several vents.

A close up of the erupting Clepsydra Geyser.

Jelly Geyser

An energetic burst from Clepsydra.

Clepsydra with some friends in the distance.

This is Leather Pool, and it is an example of how geysers will change over time. When named, leather pool had mats of brown algae covering it's sides, and extending somewhat out into the pool. It has since become much hotter, killing of the brown leather like mats from which it derived it's name. It is now a somewhat milky, and unremarkable hot pool. Of course, it will certainly change again in time, though it is impossible to say how.

Red Spouter

A closer view of Red Spouter.

This is Silex Spring, as it appeared in 2001, before it's most recent eruption. As can be seen here, the pool was becoming somewhat milky, which had not been the case previously. Historically, Silex had been a clear deep blue. Within a couple of months after this photo was taken, the spring exploded, and it's appearance today is quite different.



Great Fountain

A wide angle view of Great Fountain.

A long view over Great Fountain. White Dome can be seen down the road in the background.

White Dome was once the symbol of the park.

A little bit closer view of White Dome erupting.

White Dome continues to erupt.
Back to the Upper Geyser Basin
Forward to Norris Basin