Iridescence along the River 1
July 30, 2018
As promised, here come the photos of the Leptothrix discophora biofilms I saw along the Vermilion River July 14. Those of you new to this blog may find a brief introduction to what you see in this photograph useful. Those wanting to know more may care to explore some links.
Romancing Reality 
Wonderful!
Thank you,
Lois Kane
LikeLike
July 31, 2018 at 8:58 AM
Thank you, and you’re so welcome, Lois.
LikeLike
July 31, 2018 at 10:14 AM
Magical, Linda!
LikeLike
July 31, 2018 at 9:34 AM
Thanks! No matter how often I find these films, I always find them exciting, even magical.
LikeLike
July 31, 2018 at 10:16 AM
I predict this is the start of another great series. Off to a good start, too!
LikeLike
July 31, 2018 at 9:45 AM
Indeed there will be more, Ken. Glad you like this first one. Thank you.
LikeLike
July 31, 2018 at 10:17 AM
A beautiful example, Linda
LikeLike
August 2, 2018 at 3:04 AM
Thank you, Andy. I wonder if I will ever get over these films. It’s been way more than 10 years now . . .
LikeLike
August 2, 2018 at 11:38 AM
So thick and milky! I guess these are some healthy little bacteria. The grass shadows are nice too.
LikeLike
August 4, 2018 at 12:09 PM
It looks thick, doesn’t it. But it’s actually a very thin film. The colors are due to a physical phenomenon that I usually call color interference, but it’s also called thin-film interference. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin-film_interference. Glad you like the shadows. They almost look like drawn decoration to me.
LikeLike
August 4, 2018 at 1:31 PM
Fun to see. Way back upon first encountering your book I started two Winogradsky columns, one on my porch, and one in my classroom. They are just getting colorful and dramatic, although nobody loves them except me. Thinking of pulling some samples out for microscope view.
LikeLike
August 5, 2018 at 8:48 PM
I’m sure I would love them, too, George. I’ve never made one—or even seen one in person. Are you getting a Leptothrix discophora film on top? I really ought to make a Winogradsky column of my own. Lugging water and mud up from the part of the river that tends to grow L. discophora, however, could be pretty tricky.
LikeLike
August 6, 2018 at 1:04 PM