Roaring Mountain
Living Landscape
Amid Roaring Mountain's steam and sulfur-rich gases, microscopic organisms are hard at work. This barren slope, inhospitable to humans, is the perfect home for Sulfolobus acidocaldarius. Billions upon billions of these thermophiles live here, wearing away the mountain.What's for Dinner?
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, hardy residents of Roaring Mountain live on hydrogen sulfide gas escaping from below. They consume the gas, helping to convert it into sulfuric acid. The acid breaks the mountain;s volcanic rock into clay, accelerating erosion. Small, but mighty in number, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, help shape Roaring Mountain.Inset
The Name Says it All
Sulfolobus acidocaldarius,
Sulfo = Sulfur-eating
Lobus = Round or lobe-shaped
Acido = Adapted to living in an acidic place
Caldarius = A hot place, such as a cauldronPhoto
Mountain Residents
As seen through a microscope, tiny, dark Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, float in a sea of bright clay particles. These heat-loving microbes convert gases into acid, then the acid dissolves rock into clay.
Marker is on Grand Loop Road (U.S. 89).
Courtesy hmdb.org
