Existing comment:
Petrified Springs:
How Water Makes Rock:
When calcium-rich springs flow up through the lake bottom, the calcium bonds to carbonates in the lake water. Together they form calcium carbonate, a type of limestone. This solid material builds on itself, gradually forming a tufa tower. When the lake level drops, the exposed tufa stops growing.
See for Yourself:
When you reach the shoreline, look for underwater springs near existing tufa. The fresh water will look like vegetable oil swirling up in the salty lake water. When the lake has been calm for several days, you may see delicate new tufa crystals forming around these springs.
Fragile Rock? Tufa may be rock but it is fragile; please help us to preserve it. Laws prohibit both climbing on tufa, and collecting it. |