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Fly Geyser, an astonishing geothermal geyser known for its magnificent display of vibrant colors in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. It’s located on privately owned land by the Burning Man Project.
This unique site is located 20 miles north of Gerlach, near the shores of Fly Reservoir in the Hualapai Geothermal Flats, east of Black Rock Desert.
Fly Geyser, also referred to as Fly Ranch Geyser, serves as a marvel that highlights the mysterious processes of geothermal energy and the influence of human activity on the environment.
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Contents
A Bursting Oasis Of Colors In The Desert
Fly Geyser stands approximately 5 feet tall and spans 12 feet in width, inclusive of the mound supporting it.
Moreover, water and minerals gush from Fly Geyser’s cone, crafting a vivid, terraced landscape.
It creates 30–40 pools with red, green, and orange hues. These colors arise from thermophilic algae and minerals in the water, starkly contrasting the barren desert.
Notably, the water’s temperature could rise to 200 °F, a characteristic typical of geysers at high elevations. When released, the water can reach heights of up to 5 feet in the air.
Fly Geyser serves as a remarkable showcase of both nature’s wonder and the impact of human activities on this unique site.
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Fly Geyser And History Of Unintended Consequences
In 1916, a geothermal energy company drilled the first geyser, resulting in a 10–12-feet calcium carbonate cone. They conducted the first drilling to seek irrigation water, but eventually abandoned the site.
Later in 1946, a second drilling attempt operated near the first site. This attempt struck a geothermal pocket, causing hot water and minerals to shoot up from the ground.
Over time, mineral deposits from the continuously flowing water shaped the geyser’s unique, alien-looking form. It crafted multiple mounds with cones about 6 feet, and the entire mound stands 25 to 30 feet tall.
This accidental occurrence serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human intervention and the environment.