Strange tufa rock formations, Mono Lake, Lee Vining, California, USA


Mono Lake, a large, shallow, alkaline lake is believed to have formed at least 760,000 years ago, Perhaps the most intriguing of Mono Lake's phenomena are the tufa towers visible along much of the shoreline. Tufa are made from calcium carbonate which makes its way into the lake from underground springs. The calcium and carbonate combine to form limestone which builds up over time around the lake bottom spring openings. Declining lake levels have exposed the tufa towers, some of which are up to 30 feet high.


Size: 3402px × 5200px
Location: Mono Lake, California, USA
Photo credit: © Bob Masters / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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