Mickey Hot Springs Explained

Mickey Hot Springs
Location:	Harney County, Oregon, United States
Coordinates:	42.6768°N -118.3466°W
Elevation:	4035feet

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. There are several natural bubbling mudpots and steam vents. The system contains at least 60 vents, 11 of which are dry.^[1] The hydrothermal system may be in its waning stages of existence.

Each vent has a characteristic temperature ranging from 25C to 100C with the average about 77C. The majority of the vents are far too hot for bathing.^{[2] [3]} The water pH is neutral to slightly alkaline.^[1] An ecosystem of thermophilic organisms exist in the springs, separated by temperature strata.^[4]

External links

• Extent and location of the geothermal aquifer in the Alvord Basin, Harney County, Oregon: A study based on Strontium Isotope Geochemistry of rocks and fluids

Notes and References

1. Web site: Biocomplexity in Extreme Environments . Experimental Project to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) . University of Idaho . 2010-08-06.
2. Web site: Mickey Hot Springs . blm.gov.
3. Web site: Terry . Richard . 2015-01-20 . Oregon hot springs beckon with warm water to blunt winter's chill (photos) . 2022-05-23 . Oregon Live . en.
4. Web site: A Unique Bacterial Mineralizing Environment at Mickey Hot Springs, Southeastern Oregon . Zachery Walter John Oestreicher . Sherry L. Cady . November 2, 2003 . The Geological Society of America . 2010-08-06.