Brown algaes like this are the most common type of algae. Algae literally makes life on Earth possible. Billions of years ago, algae began to sequester carbon in algal mats in the seas, and to increase oxygen in the atmosphere to levels that would support other forms of life. Currently, it is estimated that "algae produce 73 to 87 percent of the net global production of oxygen".
Look at the the bubbles that almost completely cover the algae in the photo above. It's oxygen. The oxygen bubbles slowy grow larger until their bouyancy exceeds the surface tension that holds them in place. Then they rise to the surface of the water, pop, and make their small contribution to the oxygen content of our atmosphere.
This photo shows algae growing in a cold sulphur spring along the edge of one of the Vermilion Lakes at Banff Townsite, Alberta. I was walking along Vermilion Lakes Drive one evening when I caught a whiff of sulphur. I followed the smell to this spring and poked my finger in the water, expecting it to be warm, but it was quite cold.
In a way, this photo epitomizes what I want to do with my photography: To see and show beauty and mystery in places that might easily be overlooked.
This location is accessible from via a short drive from the Mount Norquay overpass on the Trans-Canada Highway at the west edge of Banff Townsite. Look for a drive that heads west on the south side of Canada One. Vermilion Lakes Drive is 4 km (2-1/2 miles) long and hugs the Trans-Canada.
All materials on this site are copyright 1992-2012 by Doug Gorsline / ashcreekimages.com
