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Story: Life in hot springs

Crater lake, White Island

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Crater lake, White Island

This small lake lies in the crater of White Island volcano. The distinctive green is caused by sulfur, along with extremophilic micro-organisms. The water is highly acid, with a pH of about 1, and an elevated temperature of about 50°C.

Using this item

GNS Science

Reference: CN44177/14

by Lloyd Homer

Permission of GNS Science must be obtained before any use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Bruce Mountain, Life in hot springs – Acidophiles, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/6465/crater-lake-white-island (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Bruce Mountain, published 2 March 2009.