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Lobby > Exhibits > Scientific Research > Hydrothermal Research > Vital Signs of the Earth > Dissolved Silica

Hydrothermal Research

DISSOLVED SILICA

Extremely hot underground temperatures produce very high concentrations of dissolved silica in the upward flowing thermal waters at Norris Geyser Basin. As this water rises and cools, silica precipitates, narrowing and sometimes clogging the hot water conduits. Individual springs and geysers tend to persist for only a short time at Norris. In other geyser basins, the silica concentrates are much lower, so individual hydrothermal features persist much longer.

A photo of Cistern Spring

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This work is supported by

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