Dawn steam rises from volcanic fumarole

Pale morning light cuts through low horizon haze across a vast Canadian valley floor. A solitary volcanic fumarole vents thick white steam that the wind whips into long, horizontal ribbons. The ground around the vent shows patches of dark volcanic rock mixed with early spring snow and dormant brown grass. Low sun strikes the distant horizon, creating a soft glow that contrasts with the cool blue shadows in the foreground. Steam curls upward before being dragged sideways by the gale. Tiny ice crystals glint on the wind-swept rocks near the vent opening. The steam trails stretch endlessly toward the valley edge.