Jump to content

Mickey Hot Springs

Coordinates: 42°40′36″N 118°20′48″W / 42.67676°N 118.34659°W / 42.67676; -118.34659
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mickey Hot Springs
Hot springs with Steens Mountain in background
Map
LocationHarney County, Oregon
Coordinates42°40′36″N 118°20′48″W / 42.67676°N 118.34659°W / 42.67676; -118.34659[1]
Elevation4,035 ft (1,230 m)
TypeGeothermal
Eruption height6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m)
FrequencyOngoing
Temperature77–212 °F (25–100 °C)
Depth~10 ft (3.0 m)
Mickey Hot Springs is located in Oregon
Mickey Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs is located in the United States
Mickey Hot Springs
Mickey Hot Springs

Mickey Hot Springs is a small hot spring system in southeastern Oregon, United States. The hot springs are located at the north end of the Alvord Desert just east of Steens Mountain and north of the 2-6 Hot Springs which are much larger but less known.[1] There are several natural bubbling mudpots and steam vents. The system contains at least 60 vents, 11 of which are dry.[2] The hydrothermal system may be in its waning stages of existence.[3]

A biofilm of thermophilic bacteria in the outflow the springs.

Each vent has a characteristic temperature ranging from 77–212 °F (25–100 °C) with the average about 171 °F (77 °C). The majority of the vents are far too hot for bathing.[4][5] The water pH is neutral to slightly alkaline.[2] An ecosystem of thermophilic organisms exist in the springs, separated by temperature strata.[3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Geographic Names Information System". edits.nationalmap.gov. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Biocomplexity in Extreme Environments | Mickey Hot Springs". www.webpages.uidaho.edu. University of Idaho. 2006. Archived from the original on 7 July 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  3. ^ a b "A Unique Bacterial Mineralizing Environment at Mickey Hot Springs , Southeastern Oregon". gsa.confex.com. The Geological Society of America (GSA). 2003. Archived from the original on 24 October 2003. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  4. ^ "Mickey Hot Springs". blm.gov.
  5. ^ Terry, Richard (2015-01-20). "Oregon hot springs beckon with warm water to blunt winter's chill (photos)". Oregon Live. Retrieved 2022-05-23.
[edit]