In the middle of a cattle ranch near Gerlach, Nev., enclosed by a corrugated metal fence, are small pools of steaming water. Close to the surface of these pools, water temperatures reach about 90° Celsius; deeper down, it’s even hotter. Landowners have sectioned off the area around the pools and installed an overflow pipe to keep the water from seeping out and harming livestock or people.
Despite the dangers involved, one September day Joel Graham leaned over the barrier and plunged in his gloved hand to scoop up sediment and water samples.