Photo courtesy: Wikipedia
Take a look at these snowy terraces. If you are like me, you are probably going to get fooled into thinking that this is a picturesque snow clad mountain in the Swiss Alps. Look closely and you will see sunbathers taking a dip in the small puddles. People sunbathing in the snow? It just doesn't seem to make sense right?
Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale, Turkey. Pamukkale or as the Turkish say, Cotton Castle is situated in the river
Menderes Valley.
Hot Springs and the Birth of Pamukkale
The Menderes River basin had several fault depressions. Tectonic movements in the basin activated many earthquakes. These in turn gave way to many hot springs. The ones that have created Pamukkale is especially rich in minerals such as chalk. The water also contains large amounts of hydrogen carbonate and calcium that precipitates in calcium bi-carbonate. Every second the hot springs belch 250 litres of water. This precipitates about one half kilogram of chalk per second leaving behind sheets of chalky white layers of limestone and travertine (a type of sedimentary rock) flowing on the slopes of the mountain. The white residue on the mountain slopes eventually transformed the landscape into a spectacular wonder. Thus was created the terraces of Pamukkale.
Taking a Dip in the Warm Baths
The thermal springs that have created Pamukkale are considered the special feature of this region. Famed for their healing and rejuvenating properties, it is said that a soak in these warm waters is sure to energize you and help with several common ailments. With water temperature between 35 and 100 degree Celsius, it certainly will give you the feeling of having visited a wonderful spa to rest and relax.
