[Geysers] Sinter Formation

[Ralph Taylor]

I cannot recall any near-boardwalk areas with beaded sinter, but I do know
of one feature that was known to be inactive until the early 1980s, at which
time it had a smooth sinter cone about 50cm (20 inches) across with a vent
about 20cm (8 inches) in diameter.  The feature began erupting in 1983 and
has been active several times a day since then.  There is delicate pink-hued
sinter with 1mm (1/25 inch) spherical beads on a substrate one to three mm
thick.  Some of the new (~25 year old) sinter has spalled, presumably due to
ice formation in winter.

A geyser in the UGB with fresh beading (although well off the trails) is
Pyramid Geyser.

Ralph Taylor 

-----Original Message-----
From: geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu
[mailto:geysers-bounces at lists.wallawalla.edu] On Behalf Of Carlton Cross
Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 2:00 AM
To: geysers at wallawalla.edu
Subject: [Geysers] Sinter Formation

Well, in my Moderator role, I wish to conclude the discussion about
standing on features.

Beyond that discussion, I'm wondering how much is known about the formation
of beaded sinter.  Before the early park visitors tore up most of the
beaded sinter, the formations looked much different.  What I see now in the
remote areas looks quite different from anything in the high-traffic areas.
 Why doesn't beaded sinter form again where it has been removed?  Have the
deposits in the different basins always shown major differences in the
amount of beading present?  Are there published studies on the subject?

Carlton Cross
Moderator

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