Geothermal Action at Sulphur Works
Unlike Bumpass Hell which can only be seen after a good work-out (hiking), Sulphur Works on the other hand is one of the geothermal feature in Lassen Volcanic National Park that can be seen by visitors right from the road. However, compared to Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works is very small in area. Though small in area, but it features fumaroles, mudpots, hot steam, boiling water, stinky hydrogen sulfide gas and other geothermal features.
Notice the bright colored soil around, it is the result of the action of sulfurous acid and sulfuric acid on andesite rocks, which is the primary composition of the surface. The acid breaks down hard, gray-green andesite lavas into red, yellow and buff clays. When the water diminishes, mudpots arises, and the dry vents exist as fumaroles.
Fumarole and Multi Colored Surface
A fumarole is an opening in Earth's crust, which emits steam and gases such as carbon dioxide, sulfurous gases, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen sulfide. This geothermal feature in the park is right by Hwy 89. We actually saw this geothermal feature first since we passed this area on our way to Bumpass Hell trailhead coming from the South Entrance of the park.
This is actually 4 miles or less from the Bumpass Hell trailhead, but what a different sight. Here, the wildflowers are already in their beautiful display, whereas 4 miles up the road, Bumpass Hell trailhead and the trail itself was still fully covered with snow. Though only 4 miles apart, but the 1000 ft difference in elevation made the big difference.
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this is something totally foreign n new to me. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThis is something very new to me..
ReplyDeleteWe have sulphur mixed water springs which are very good for skin diseases.. but nothing like this..
i'll have to show this to matthew when he wakes up, beth - and son't be surprised when i tell you later we've done some experiments related to vapors, haha! very intresting scientific post!
ReplyDeleteNeat photos, nature's wonders always make good subjects, especially when they are unusal.
ReplyDeleteAV
What an incredible scenery! Learning some things new today..Fantastic post, and pictures!
ReplyDeleteI love the colored clays. That is just so exotic looking.
ReplyDeleteI looked at your pictures, I saw your title: The Joy's of Simple Life.
ReplyDeleteIt looks simple, it is really not! It is full of events, full of wonder and surprises.
Terrific life.
thanks a lot everyone.
ReplyDelete@ Rainfield, you made me laugh, indeed, looks terrific, but my life is really simple, instead of shopping, I wander instead. I laughed because you have the same comment as my husband, he said, my title should have been, "The Joys of Being OUT" :)
This is new and interesting. I liked the pictures and the way you explain, very informative.
ReplyDeleteThat Bumpas Hell really fits its name. Is it hot there when you took that photo betchai? Looks dangerous.
ReplyDeleteFascinating photos with steam and colorful surfaces. I also like the last one with flowers in the foreground. You sure visit some interesting places!
ReplyDeleteMiss Beth, I envy your sunflower shots here!!!
ReplyDeleteI wonder why I seldom see sunflowers nowadays here in Pinas.
Ngek, my previous comment seemed misplaced.... nakibot ko ngaa may comment ko about sunflowers diri sa Sulphur Works...
ReplyDeleteI envy again your adventure here... I wish to see a fumarole too...
And I share the same wonder with the difference in elevation could make with the vegetation... :) Isn't He great? :D
Amazing shots here Betchai and also some great information. I knew nothing about this so your post was educational for me as well. I love the third photo. Nicely done.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post. I haven't see a fumarole and i don't know if we have one here in the Philippines. And of course, the photos are great!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Betchai!
I'd love to see a place like this. I only ever saw things like this on TV so really being there would be great. I'm glad you get to do the fun stuff like that, even if I don't. That makes it almost like being there myself.
ReplyDeleteso interesting sis..i will also have to show this to my kids...
ReplyDeletei love the yellow wildflowers and the blue flowers and the blue sky on the background he he he
Haaay as usual, i envy your life there hehehe.
ReplyDeleteHi Betchai,
ReplyDeleteNice blog. Very informative and most of all, I am happy to see many Filipino followers.
Such beautiful pictures. I love them.
ReplyDeleteHi, Betchai! Did you know that your blog has been cited in the entries for the Emerging Influential Blogs? Very impressive! Did you know about this? =)
ReplyDeleteCheck out this link:
http://www.influentialblogger.net/2009/07/week-10-top-10-emerging-influential.html
I know that familiar stinky gas. I visited Rotorua in NZ and you get that stinky smell in the air. But it was lovely place to visit.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots and very informative. I wish also to visit some volcanoes, never tried yet.
ReplyDeleteIndeed highly elevated places are colder. It's amazing to experience such wonder of nature.
they are right beth, you can be a very good photographer!
ReplyDeletepretty wildflowers!
this place is awesome! glad to see it here or else I never will =)
good comparison. only 4miles apart between snow and flowers. similar to life....seconds apart can change all things
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