Jun
22

From Earth to the Solar System

Hell on Earth. Bumpass Hell is a hydrothermal (hot water) area in California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park. Groundwater heated by hot magma below the surface forms steam that vents through fumaroles, condenses to form boiling springs, and decomposes the surrounding volcanic rock to create bubbling mud pots. The beautiful, pastel palette of colors arises from the complex mineralogy, as well as microorganisms that have adapted to the harsh, elevated water temperatures and acidity. NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover “Spirit” has found minerals on Mars indicating that a hydrothermal environment like Bumpass Hell once existed there. The more astrobiologists learn about Bumpass Hell, the better prepared they are to search for evidence of life in environments like it on other worlds. Photo by Sandy Dueck)

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Posted: 22 June 2011
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.