Image
This silica sinter is growing in the highly acidic water of Lake Rotokawa, near Taupō. The needle-like silica growths are called spicules, and the green coating is the alga Cyanidium, which is able to live in hot, acidic conditions.
Using this item
GNS Science, Extremophile Photo Collection
Reference: DSCO_3323
by Bruce Mountain
Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.