Mickey Hot Springs

Coordinates: 42°40′36″N 118°20′48″W / 42.67676°N 118.34659°W / 42.67676; -118.34659

Mickey Hot Springs
Hot Springs
Hot springs with Steens Mountain in background
Country	United States
State	Oregon
County	Harney County
Elevation	4,035 ft (1,230 m)
Coordinates	42°40′36″N 118°20′48″W / 42.67676°N 118.34659°W / 42.67676; -118.34659
Owner	Bureau of Land Management

Mickey Hot Springs is a small hot spring system at the north end of Alvord Desert just east of Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon, United States. There are several natural bubbling mudpots and steam vents. The system contains at least 60 vents, 11 of which are dry.^[1] The hydrothermal system is in its waning stages of existence.^[2]

A biofilm of thermophilic bacteria in the outflow the springs.

Each vent has a characteristic temperature ranging from 25 °C (77 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F) with the average about 77 °C (171 °F). The water pH is neutral to slightly alkaline.^[1] An ecosystem of thermophilic organisms exist in the springs, separated by temperature stratum.^[2]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Biocomplexity in Extreme Environments". Experimental Project to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). University of Idaho. http://www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/biogeochemistry/mickey.html. Retrieved 2010-08-06. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Zachery Walter John Oestreicher; Sherry L. Cady (November 2, 2003). "A Unique Bacterial Mineralizing Environment at Mickey Hot Springs, Southeastern Oregon". The Geological Society of America. http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2003AM/finalprogram/abstract_67866.htm. Retrieved 2010-08-06. 

External links

• Extent and location of the geothermal aquifer in the Alvord Basin, Harney County, Oregon: A study based on Strontium Isotope Geochemistry of rocks and fluids