Reflections on Rio Tinto, near its source, Andalusia, Spain *** Local Caption *** R?o Tinto ("Red River") is very acidic (Ph 2) and has a deep reddish hue due to iron dissolved in water. The acidity of the watercourse is linked to the drainage of pyrite, which is very present in the subsoil. Extremophilic and endemic bacteria and algae colonize the river bed, forming a fragile biofilm that evokes the hot springs of Yellowstone Park in the USA.

archaea archaea river freshwater spring spring ferruginous water mine copper iron overview reflection red tree colorful andalusia autonomous community sulphur may archaea water surface rivers freshwater source freshwater sources freshwater springs ferruginous waters ferrous water ferrous waters underground mines mines underground mine deep mining overviews global sight global sights full length reflections mirror image reflected reflecting reds carmine magenta carmines magentas trees colourful rudy colorfully colored andalusia andalucia archaebacteria archaebacterium water surfaces watersurface watersurfaces body of water freshwater wetland area area temperate season seasons atmosphere water (matter) matter (substance) mining industry economic activity mineral matter shot light effect colour woody plant morphology (botany) morphology organism spain european union europe bacterium microorganism