ShortList is supported by you, our amazing readers. When you click through the links on our site and make a purchase we may earn a commission. Learn more

Science non-fiction

Eerie geyser brings mystery to Nevada

Science non-fiction
Danielle de Wolfe
20 December 2010

Looking like something from the set of a 60s episode of Star Trek, this geyser is in fact the genuine article.

The Fly Geyser lives in Nevada and possesses a rather interesting back-story. Although it isn't made from papier mache, it does still owe its very existence to man.

Back in 1916, in the search for water (an understandable concern in the middle of Nevada), a drill created a geyser. Forward to the 1960s and a weak spot was found by the wet stuff and a newer geyser took over. In the past 50 years, it has changed its look and became more and more strange to look at.

Around the four-meter-high geyser, plant life thrives and small fish have started to breed. Mysteriously, no one knows how the fish got there.

The geyser now has its own ecosystem and remains within private land, bordered by a fence.

Cue creepy music...

(Images: Wikimedia, Michael Flick)