A geothermal valley opens around a winding pale stream, with soft white steam rising from scattered vents. Rust-orange, mustard-yellow and gray mineral surfaces form low uneven slopes beside the water. The plumes remain translucent where they cross the land, letting some of the ground show through their edges.

Small patches of olive vegetation and tawny grass mark the cooler margins. From the elevated viewpoint, damp foreground deposits lead toward successive bends of water and darker hills beyond. Morning light warms one side of the steam and picks out the rough mineral textures, giving the broad scene depth without hiding the separate shapes of the valley floor.