travertine terraces of mammoth hot springs
Travertine terraces are a form of limestone deposit (calcium carbonate) unique to the geological settings around mammoth hot springs. Due to a local chemical-thermal oddity, rising hot springs water releases a chalky white rock which, in time, is colored by the algae that grow in the runoff area. The colorful stepped terraces and cascades of travertine produce exquisite patterns and shapes and transform into true pieces of natural art.
Travertine “art” is fragile. The vents that bring soluble limestone to the surface weaken overtime leading to structural collapse of the terraces. Thus was the fate of several of the pieces of art photographed here. A return visit found some terraces utterly destroyed.
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