Iron oxide silica flow

 

This aerial view features an alien landscape characterised by its striking orange colouration. It originates from a hot spring. The feature is a deposit of iron oxides and silica, formed as hot, mineral-rich water from the spring cools and interacts with the surrounding environment. The hot spring water dissolves minerals from underground rocks, including iron and silica. As this water surfaces and cools, the dissolved iron oxidises (rusts), creating the vibrant orange hue. Simultaneously, silica precipitates out, contributing to the overall mineral deposit. The specific shade of orange can vary depending on the concentration and oxidation state of the iron, as well as the presence of other minerals.

Additional orange coloration can be caused by heat-loving microorganisms, particularly certain species of bacteria and archaea that thrive in the extreme temperatures of hot springs. These microorganisms contain pigments that protect them and give them their characteristic orange to reddish-brown appearance.