Shoshone Geyser Basin, South Group
Despite its name South Group occupies the central area of Shoshone Geyser Basin west of Shoshone Creek. If you follow the creek in northern direction, there is a noticeable gap of about 100 m between the northernmost springs of Island Group and Coral Spring, the first significant feature of South Group. (Update: Unfortunately, as with all other thermal groups west of Shoshone Creek, the South Group has been closed to public entry since 2016).
The resemblance between sinter formations close to Coral Spring's rim and a coral reef at low tide is striking. Moreover, Coral Spring also shows a breathtaking play of colors.
Through an opulently decorated channel Coral Spring discharges into Three Crater Spring northeast of it.
The name says it all: beyond the discharge of Coral Spring, Three Crater Spring is fed by three recessed vents. Its shallowness causes the water to give off heat quickly and creates ideal conditions for extensive growth of thermophilic microbes, probably cyanobacteria such as Phormidium laminosum.
A few feet away from Three Crater Spring the eruptions of Diverted Geyser can be watched approximately every 10 minutes. The geyser lies in the former runoff of Three Crater Spring and spouting activity emerged not before an unkown impact diverted the discharging water to a different route.
The location of SSGNN007, a short distance north of Diverted Geyser, provides an expansive view over the sinter shield, Shoshone Creek, and the thermal areas east of it.
From near SSGNN007 we saw a small geyser erupting on the sinter shield, not far away from Flake Spring. On the photo you may spot it right of center, if you look very closely.
First I thought it could be Wave Spring, but after we had approached cautiously on a detour to avoid stepping on intact sinter, it turned out to be the nameless feature SSGNN009. Unfortunately, the activity ceased before we arrived at the spring. I'm not sure, if this feature is known to act as a geyser.
Flake Spring lies 20 m southeast of SSGNN009. It is rather shallow and displays therefore only light blue colors.
In contrast, Blue Glass Spring, 45 m north of Flake Spring, shows an intense blue.
SSGNN012 and SSGNN011 are marking the northern border of the South Group. With its massive, orange lined rim SSGNN011 is one of the visually most appealing perpetual spouters of Shoshone Basin.
