One might be hard-pressed to think of bacteria as being in any way "beautiful", but the bacterial mats that surround the geothermal features at Yellowstone qualify. These are not your run-of-the-mill bacteria, however; they are thermophilic (heat-loving) bacteria that thrive in the hot waters along the edges of hot springs, and in the run-off channels from springs and geysers. The hot water of Yellowstone allows the bacteria, along with many types of algae, to thrive year-round, even through the harsh Wyoming winter. Over time, they form colorful streamers and ribbons that flow and wave under the waters flowing through them.

(023665)