Travertine deposition

Travertine terraces, found at Mammoth Hot Springs, are formed from limestone (a rock type made of calcium carbonate) Thermal waters rise through the limestone, carrying high amounts of dissolved carbonate. At the surface, carbon dioxide is released and calcium carbonate is deposited as travertine, the chalky white rock of the terraces.[6] Due to the rapid rate of deposition, these features constantly and quickly change. Algae living in the warm pools have tinted the travertine shades of brown, orange, red and green.

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