Silex Spring

Description

Hot water is a better solvent than cooler water; it dissolves large amounts of silica, the major element of these volcanic rocks. Silica, in the form of sinter, lines the bottom of Silex spring. It forms terraces along the runoff channels and gives the spring its name: Silex is Latin for silica. Silex Spring overflows most of the year. This overflow creates a hot environment where thermophiles thrive. Thermophiles become food for several kinds of flies that live in and on the hot water. The flies then become food for mites, spiders, various insects and birds.

Feature Type

Hot Spring

Inventory ID

LFG201

Location

Latitude: 44.55019
Longitude: -110.8058
Survey Date: August 12, 1998

Feature Data