Hot spring’s living colors

 

This alien landscape is a striking blend of orange, yellow, and green hues caused by mineral deposits and thermophilic microorganisms thriving in the extreme heat. The bright colouration comes from primarily iron oxides that are carried by hot springs and geothermal water flowing across the landscape.

The green patches within the orange flow most likely represent the presence of algae or microbial mats. These organisms are known to thrive in hot spring environments, even in the presence of high mineral concentrations.