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What bacteria lives in the hot springs of Yellowstone?

These life forms, called cyanobacteria, began to create an atmosphere that would eventually support human life. Cyanobacteria are found in some of the colorful mats and streamers of Yellowstone's hot springs.



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Hot-spring water is usually fairly safe from the standpoint of carrying disease-causing organisms, but some is not (see below under Stay healthy), and the surface water that cools a scalding spring to usable temperatures will be prone to the same bugs and pathogens as any other surface water.

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A. No swimming is allowed in any of the park's thermal features because it is unsafe for visitors, as well as damaging to the resource. You are permitted to swim in waters that are fed by the runoff from the thermal features. One place you can swim is at the Boiling River at certain times of year.

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Milky White This is due to the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide in the water, which transforms into insoluble colloidal particles. The colloidal particles make the water appear milky white.

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Under the seemingly placid waters of Yellowstone Lake lies the collapsed remains of a supervolcano that erupted 640,000 years ago.

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