Geothermal Champagne Pool at Waiotapu, New Zealand
Champagne pool. Steam rises from a geothermal pool known as Champagne Pool, in New Zealand. Water from this pool contains silicate of lime (sinter) deposited as the water evaporates. The sinter has formed the largest geothermal terrace in New Zealand (grey/yellow, lower frame). At a temperat- ure of 74 degrees Celsius and pH of 5.4, the acidic chloride water contains sulphur, silver, gold, mercury, arsenic, antimony, and other miner- als, which contribute to the array of colours. The pool is 60 metres in diameter and 60 metres deep. It was formed 900 years ago by the explosion of a volcano to form a crater. Photographed at Waiotapu (Maori for \Sacred Water\") on North Island."
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