Mickey Hot Springs

Mickey Hot Springs is a small hot spring system in southeastern Oregon, United States. The hot springs are located at the north end of Alvord Desert just east of Steens Mountain and north of the 2-6 Hot Springs which are much larger but less known. There are several natural bubbling mudpots and steam vents. The system contains at least 60 vents, 11 of which are dry.[1] The hydrothermal system may be in its waning stages of existence.[2]

A biofilm of thermophilic bacteria in the outflow the springs.
Mickey Hot Springs
Hot springs with Steens Mountain in background
LocationHarney County, Oregon, United States
Coordinates42.67676°N 118.34659°W / 42.67676; -118.34659
Elevation4,035 ft (1,230 m)

Each vent has a characteristic temperature ranging from 25 °C (77 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F) with the average about 77 °C (171 °F). The majority of the vents are far too hot for bathing.[3][4] The water pH is neutral to slightly alkaline.[1] An ecosystem of thermophilic organisms exist in the springs, separated by temperature strata.[2]

References
  1. "Biocomplexity in Extreme Environments". Experimental Project to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). University of Idaho. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  2. Zachery Walter John Oestreicher; Sherry L. Cady (November 2, 2003). "A Unique Bacterial Mineralizing Environment at Mickey Hot Springs, Southeastern Oregon". The Geological Society of America. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
  3. "Mickey Hot Springs". blm.gov.
  4. Terry, Richard (2015-01-20). "Oregon hot springs beckon with warm water to blunt winter's chill (photos)". Oregon Live. Retrieved 2022-05-23.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.