The cooling hot water allows Thermophiles, which are heat loving micro-organisms, and living bacteria to grow and create beautiful shades of oranges, pinks, yellows, greens, and browns. When a terrace become inactive, the organisms die, and only grey, crumbling terraces remain. If they once again become active, the organisms return, and the colour once again returns.

The Mammoth Hot springs terraces are constantly changing, leaving some past active areas completely dry for years and creating new terraces at other places. You will see both active and inactive travertine terraces. As the white rock formations grow, the water is forced to flow in different directions. The constant changes in water and mineral deposits create a living sculpture.

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