Amazing Photo’s of ‘Fly Geyser,’ Nevada’s Best Kept Secret
To be honest, when I saw this my first thought was it was fake. But as it turns out, this stunning masterpiece is real, and it sits in the middle of the Nevada Desert.
The geyser contains several terraces sending water into 30 to 40 pools over an area of 74 acres. (Screenshot/YouTube)
When you first see this, you may think this belongs on a different planet or in a sci-fi move. This piece of art is made by Mother Nature, albeit from an accident. “Fly Geyser” started to form when a ranch owner was drilling for water in the Nevada Desert.
Fly Geyser is Located 20 miles north of Gerlach, in Washoe County, Nevada. (Screenshot/YouTube)
This came about in the early 20th century when the rancher was drilling a well for irrigation. When he struck water, it was over 200°F, too hot to use for irrigation. Then in 1964, he made another attempt, but he found the water was still too hot.
The rainbow effect is created by minerals in the water reacting with oxygen in the air and the thermophilic algae that thrives in the wet and hot conditions. (Screenshot/YouTube)
After the second attempt, the well was not sealed properly. Because of this, the high water pressure pushed up minerals and gas that then reacted with the oxygen and the sun. The geyser gets its magnificent colors from the minerals, gas, and thermophilic algae that thrive in the wet and hot conditions.
With the constant flow of minerals and gas, Fly Geyser continues to grow.
The colors change constantly depending on the season and how much water is spouting. (Screenshot/YouTube)
The water ponds that are below the geyser have their own ecosystem, and even have small fish and several kinds of birds, such as swans and mallards, that visit.
Fly Geyser is rarely open to the public, but can be viewed from the road. (Screenshot/YouTube)
The original Fly Geyser no longer hisses steaming water, but there are another two geysers in the area that continue to grow, and seem to be following the same path. The geysers are on private land, which is not open to tourists, although you can make arrangements with the owners and more often than not, you’ll be able to get a close look for a fee.
Fly Geyser is not even known to many Nevada residents, but is considered one of the most beautiful attractions in the state, said the Daily Mail. Several people have tried to buy the land to make it available for tourists. But the owners have refused. The property is still private and surrounded by fences, said Newsner.
Amazing Fly Geyser, exclusive interview:
This is truly an incredible site, and a must see. Our planet never ceases to amaze me.
Fly Geyser:
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Source: http://www.visiontimes.com/2015/05/08/amazing-photos-of-fly-geyser-nevadas-best-kept-secret.html