The Travertine Terraces of Pamukkale
Monday, 15 February 2010
Pamukkale 258/365 – Chris5aw & Travertines, Pamukkale – Dachalan
The Cotton Castle of Pamukkale, situated in South-Western Turkey, comprises of a range of terraces known as travertines. Hydrodynamic distribution of trace carbonate minerals combined with deposition processes generate a 160m high cascade of steps. On closer inspection undulating ridges and rhythmic patterns can be seen on the surfaces of the steps. These ‘fossilized’ cellular patterns are engraved through the deposition of minerals while the geothermal water flows chaotically over the surface. As such, these patterns are space-time visualisations of the ensuing fluid turbulence as it makes its path via tiny eddies and whorls to its final destination. This process is much the same as the generative build up of sinter terraces at Roto-Mà hà na, noted in a previous post.
No. 1 — February 16th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
A nice photograph of this scene can be found on one of Autechre’s best albums ever, Amber. I always fancied listening to it while being there and I wonder, if somebody ever did.
No. 2 — February 19th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Hi Patrick, I’ll dig out my copy of the record and have a look, again, at the cover. Incidently on the subject i did infact listen to the White Album on visting the abandoned Maharishi Yoga Ashram a few years back.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/transphormetic/tags/maharishi/
I guess that qualifies for the same kind of experience.