above ~ Mud Caldron
below ~ Mud Geyser
above, Black Dragon's Caldron ~ "This mudpot roared into existance in 1948, blowing trees out by the roots and forever changing this once quiet forested hillside. A park interpreter named the new feature for its resemblance to a darkly colored demon of the backwoods. For several decades it erupted in explosive 10-20 foot bursts of black mud. Over the years, it has moved 200 feet to the southeast and became relatively quiet. However, as change is constant in Yellowstone, the black dragon may one day roar back to life".
Notice the bison in the background taking a steam bath.
above ~ Sour Lake
above, Mud Volcano ~ "In 1970, explorers stood in awe as Mud Volcano spewed mud into the treetops, shaking the ground with each eruption. Two years later it was a pool of bubbling, muddy water. Mud Volcano had blown itself apart".
above, Dragon's Mouth Spring ~ " An unknown park visitor named this feature around 1912 perhaps due to the water that frequesntly surged from the cave like the lashing of a dragon's tongue. Until 1994, this dramatic wave-like action often splashed water as far as the boardwalk. The rumbling sounds are caused by steam and other gases exploding through the water causing it to crash against the walls of the hidden caverns".
above, Sulpher Caldron
Photos taken July 4, 2012
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