Page 17 - (DK) I Can’t Believe It! 2

STRANGE BUT TRUE! 15
Rainbow spring bacteria, which thrive in these superhot springs. In the
The kaleidoscope effect is caused by colorful

blue center is near-boiling water. This gradually cools
The water
across the spring’s surface, and as the temperature
at the center changes, different types of bacteria are able to survive.
of the spring The bacteria living in different parts of the spring
is a searing
180°F (82°C). are brightly colored, giving Grand Prismatic
its characteristic rainbow rings.
The blue area at the
spring’s center is too hot
to sustain most life-forms.
The blue color is due to
the clarity of the water.

FAST FACTS

The Grand Prismatic Spring
is named for its colors,
which match the spectrum
of white light through a prism.
When white light passes
through a triangular block of
glass (a prism), the light is split
into different wavelengths—each
a different color.

The prism Red has
bends the the longest
light. wavelength.

Violet has
White light enters the shortest
the prism.
wavelength.

US_014_015_309600_Rainbow_spring.indd 15 19/12/17 12:55 pm