Last updated: December 12, 2024
Place
Stop 7: Electric Spring
NPS
The spring to your left is called Electric Spring. It is warm – around 94 degrees, but with an acidity rivaling that of battery acid.
Most plants have a difficult time growing in the conditions created by the acidic water and soil. You may have noticed that some springs have slimy looking growths in them or around their edges or have unusual colors. The slimy growths are composed of bacteria and algae that scientists call “extremophiles”. It is just what it sounds like – extremophile lifeforms live in extreme conditions such as low pH and high temperature. Sometimes they can be colorful and can tell us information about the conditions they are growing in.
Most plants have a difficult time growing in the conditions created by the acidic water and soil. You may have noticed that some springs have slimy looking growths in them or around their edges or have unusual colors. The slimy growths are composed of bacteria and algae that scientists call “extremophiles”. It is just what it sounds like – extremophile lifeforms live in extreme conditions such as low pH and high temperature. Sometimes they can be colorful and can tell us information about the conditions they are growing in.