A fumarole in Rotorua.

A large singular fumarole located near Rotorua, New Zealand.

Fumarole; that's a new one.  What is it, and what does the photo of a large mud puddle have to do with anything?  A fumarole is a vent that allows hot gases to escape from underground volcanic activity.  The mud pit above is an example of one, although there is less gas and more liquid. 

Beneath the surface of the earth we walk on, many miles below us, temperatures and pressures increase to incredible values.  Water, which finds its way down through percolation and cracks in the rock, becomes superheated.  Water turns into steam and expands; the hot gases then rise.  In some situations, the water itself may well up to produce hot springs or bubbling mud pits. 

The barren land around the fumarole is a testament to the heat and noxious gases associated with this geothermal activity.  Although there is plenty of water, light, and nutrients, plants cannot tolerate the conditions nearby.  Certain species have adapted to the conditions though and thrive; tea trees are one of them.

Often when photographing such scenes I have the sky represent only a small portion of the scene, often representing part of the upper third in the photo.  I used a polarizer filter when creating this shot, and the clouds responded nicely with the sky deepened to a deep azure blue.  The contrast between cloud and sky complimented the stark landscape.  The polarizer also removed the strong blue hues associated with such a day and rendered the colours of the land in their natural tones.

This is all part of the reason I enjoy traveling; seeing new sights and being able to photograph them while enjoying the awe of the moment.  There is so much more to do and see! 

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com