Buried Alive

Excelsior Geyser’s rugged crater was created by rare massive geyser eruptions. Surprisingly, it also preserves a record of past life.<br><br> For thousands of years, microbes have grown in the runoff channels extending from nearby Grand Prismatic Spring. These vast communities were buried alive as the flowing hot water deposited a crust of silica minerals. The resulting deposit, called sinter, preserved the shape of the microbial mat it entombed. As new mats grew, more layers developed. Today’s formation is the result of this interplay between its living and nonliving components.<br><br> Yellowstone’s hydrothermal featured provide a glimpse into the distant past when intense volcanism was widespread on the young Earth. The lifeforms found here help scientists understand the type of life that likely arose and diversified billions of years ago on our planet.<br><br> <i>(sidebar)</i><br> <b>Life Beyond Earth?</b><br><br> • Formations that entomb microbes in Yellowstone’s geysers and hot springs may offer clues in search for life on other worlds.<br> • Volcanic hot spring systems are believed to have existed on other planets in our solar system.<br> • If similar formations are found, they may contain evidence that life existed elsewhere in the universe.<br><br> <small>This exhibit made possible by a generous grant to the Yellowstone Park Foundation from NASA Astrobiology Institute and Lockheed Martin Space Operations</small>