Japan/Kyushu: Beppu – Chinoike Jigoku & Tataumaki Jigoku
Two more volcanic area are on the north side of Beppu – Chinoike Jigoku & Tataumaki Jigoku. The former is translated as the Blood Pond Pool and it’s a crimson bloody color body of water, a hot spring. The vibrant red color is primarily attributed to the high concentration of iron oxide in the soil and water. Iron oxide from the soil interacts with the high temperatures of the geothermal waters resulting in the distinctive crimson color. As the hot spring water rises to the surface, it brings dissolved minerals with it, and when the water cools and the iron oxidizes, it forms the characteristic red sediment. Next door to the Red Pond is Tataumaki Jigoku, aka Tornado Hell. This is a geyser, with periodic eruptions. It’a not Yellowstone or Iceland but nonetheless is pretty cool and interesting.
