Every weekend we present a notable item from our archives.

This EPOD was originally published September 16, 2013.

Photographer: Andre Vicente Goncalves
Summary Author: Andre Vicente Goncalves

Shown above is the wondrous area of Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey, near the city of Denizli. The natural terraces in the foreground, composed primarily of calcite and aragonite, were formed by water flowing from hot springs having particularly high calcium carbonate (travertine) content. Note the rain-shaft in the distance at left, while the Sun is still shining on the right-hand side of the photo. Crepuscular rays further enhance the lure of this scene. I was indeed fortunate to witness such a beautiful spectacle. Pamukkale was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. Photo taken on August 17, 2013.

Photo details: Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM; Focal Length: 17mm; Focus Distance: Infinite; Aperture: f/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.0040 s (1/250); ISO equiv: 500; Software: Adobe Photoshop CC (Macintosh).  

• Denizli, Turkey Coordinates: 37.9205, 29.121
• Related Links
  • Limestone Terraces in Turkey
  • Andre's Website
• Student Links
  • A Virtual Field Trip to a Travertine in Idaho
  • A Virtual Field Trip to a Travertine in Wyoming
• Earth Observatory
  • Mount Nemrut, Turkey

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