Boundary layer
Parcel expansion
Convection constraint
The complexity of our atmospheric stratification is sometimes on display. Changes in air temperature and pressure occur with increasing altitude. An inversion represents a deviation from the normal atmospheric altitude variation by acting as a cap.
“This is where the air motion is determined by the properties of the Earth’s surface.” – Marino Tahi
Well-established
Widely celebrated
Physical elements
Landscapes embody a living synthesis, displaying a comprehensive vital force enveloping existence as a spontaneous morphogenesis of things in an increasingly complex configuration.
“In the continuum of landscape, mountains are discontinuity — culminating in high points, natural barriers, unearthly earth.” – Rebecca Solnit
Aqua constrained
Acidic thermal
Viscous slurry
A variegated mud geothermal feature, nourished by hot-springs, remains active during the winter season. Effervescing under a blanket of snow, at various junctures the ground heat overwhelms the freezing cold.
“Along this section of the path, you’ll notice that the Artists’ Paintpots feature a collection of pastel colors. This is because iron oxide stains their whitish/gray mud.” – Courtney Holden
Tranquil view
Solace sanctuary
Feel to truly appreciate
Early morning light illuminates some of the mountains encircling the ‘Gateway to the Northwest’. Mountains seem eternally to answer an aesthetic imaginative need, challenging complacent convictions.
“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.” – John Muir
Productive hot spring
Runoff discharge
Firehole river
In the first federally funded government research survey ever conducted in North American, the prominent trailblazer and geologist Dr. Ferdinand V. Hayden led an expedition specifically to explore the Yellowstone geothermal area. Although primarily a scientific and economic campaign, the artist Thomas Moran was significantly a consequential member on the mission. Hayden believed in the power of the visual illustrative image to augment any written-word descriptive passage.
“The results of this season’s exploration attracted the widest interest, and Congress readily complied with Dr. Hayden’s recommendation that the region he had last explored be set apart as a National Park.” – Charles A. White
Headwater tributary
Large chalk stream
Morning vibe
The first official photographic stop of the Yellowstone adventure, at a river happening where we all climbed out of the vintage Bombardier Snowbus and blinked in winter wonderment at the dawning scenic splendor.
“You’re effort will be worth the cold.” – Forrest Fenn
Points of interest
Rugged landscape
Scenic resources
The Rocky Mountains are a prevalent feature always punctuating the lower Portneuf River Valley. Being on a picturesque campus accentuates the intellectual environment.
“Being in the mountains is good for the soul.” – Outside Magazine
Passing storm
Radiant light
Silver patterns
Passing through the mountains of southeast Idaho, rare atmospheric beauty transpires. The opportunity to witness this fast moving and awe inspiring event was at its best at this momentary juncture. Such organized storms only fleetingly exist and then disperse, deepening the magnificence of the miracle.
“I wondered about the science of storms and how sometimes it seemed that a storm wanted to break the world and how the world refused to break.” – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Soft soothing day
Mist drizzle accord
Melancholy impression
Lake Cena on a saturated gray day in the middle of an enveloping weather event of delicate temperament.
“Lake Cena was once loaded with boaters and swimmers, and the spring house was popular for its drinkable mineral water.” – Matt Bird-Meyer
Natural feature
Majestic landmark
Lengthening intervals
The verticle height of the Old Faithful geyser historically varies from between 100 to 180 feet, with an average around 135 feet. Eruptions normally last between 1.5 to 5 minutes. Prediction of interval between eruptions is dependent upon the duration of the previous discharge. During a gusher, the steam vapor temperature rises above 350°F, while the water temperature at the vent reaches 204°F.
“Life leaps like a geyser for those willing to drill through the rock of inertia.” – Alexis Carrel