VOLCANIC
SPRINGS

Shoshone Geyser Basin, South Group

Despite its name South Group occupies the central area of Shoshone Geyser Basin west of Shoshone Creek. If you follow the creek in northern direction, there is a noticeable gap of about 100 m between the northernmost springs of Island Group and Coral Spring, the first significant feature of South Group. (Update: Unfortunately, as with all other thermal groups west of Shoshone Creek, the South Group has been closed to public entry since 2016).
The resemblance between sinter formations close to Coral Spring's rim and a coral reef at low tide is striking. Moreover, Coral Spring also shows a breathtaking play of colors.

Coral Spring Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
Coral Spring

Through an opulently decorated channel Coral Spring discharges into Three Crater Spring northeast of it.

Coral Spring Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
Runoff between Coral Spring and Three Crater Spring

The name says it all: beyond the discharge of Coral Spring, Three Crater Spring is fed by three recessed vents. Its shallowness causes the water to give off heat quickly and creates ideal conditions for extensive growth of thermophilic microbes, probably cyanobacteria such as Phormidium laminosum.

Three Crater Spring Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
Three Crater Spring

A few feet away from Three Crater Spring the eruptions of Diverted Geyser can be watched approximately every 10 minutes. The geyser lies in the former runoff of Three Crater Spring and spouting activity emerged not before an unkown impact diverted the discharging water to a different route.

Diverted Geyser Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
Diverted Geyser

The location of SSGNN007, a short distance north of Diverted Geyser, provides an expansive view over the sinter shield, Shoshone Creek, and the thermal areas east of it.

SSGNN007 Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
SSGNN007

From near SSGNN007 we saw a small geyser erupting on the sinter shield, not far away from Flake Spring. On the photo you may spot it right of center, if you look very closely.

SSGNN009 Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
SSGNN009 erupting

First I thought it could be Wave Spring, but after we had approached cautiously on a detour to avoid stepping on intact sinter, it turned out to be the nameless feature SSGNN009. Unfortunately, the activity ceased before we arrived at the spring. I'm not sure, if this feature is known to act as a geyser.

SSGNN009 Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
SSGNN009

Flake Spring lies 20 m southeast of SSGNN009. It is rather shallow and displays therefore only light blue colors.

Flake Spring Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
Flake Spring

In contrast, Blue Glass Spring, 45 m north of Flake Spring, shows an intense blue.

Blue Glass Spring Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
Blue Glass Spring

SSGNN012 and SSGNN011 are marking the northern border of the South Group. With its massive, orange lined rim SSGNN011 is one of the visually most appealing perpetual spouters of Shoshone Basin.

SSGNN012 and SSGNN011 Shoshone Basin Yellowstone
SSGNN012 (left) and SSGNN011 (center)

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