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A Rainbow of Water

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Grand Prismatic Spring was named by geologists for its striking coloration. Its colours match the rainbow dispersion of white light by an optical prism: red, orange, yellow, green, and blue.

The vivid colours in the spring are the result of pigmented bacteria in the microbial mats that grow around the edges of the mineral-rich water.

The bacteria produce colours ranging from green to red; the amount of color in the microbial mats depends on the ratio of chlorophyll to carotenoids and on the temperature of the water. In the summer it tends to be orange and red, whereas in the winter it is usually dark green. The deep blue colour of the water in the center of the pool results from the intrinsic blue color of water, itself the result of water's selective absorption of red wavelengths of visible light. Though this effect is responsible for making all large bodies of water blue, it is particularly intense in Grand Prismatic Spring because of the purity and depth of the water.

Grand Prismatic is one of many coloured springs in Yellowstone and draws millions of visitors every year.

Photo: Wikimedia

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Date: 30 January 2015
Credits Publisher: Spiritual News

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