Nature Adapts to an Alien Environment
If you take away the deep blue sky and clear air, Mono Lake has a topography that is as alien as any extra-terrestrial environment. Born from the eruptions of volcanoes, the tectonic basin of Mono Lake was additionally designed by faulting and down-warping of the earth's crust some one to 3 million years ago.
Mono Craters, domes of rhyolite that exploded from volcanoes during the last 40,000 years and as recently as 700 years ago.
A natural lake with no outlet, Mono's water has a unique chemistry that makes it saltier than the ocean. Volcanic ash and underwater springs rich in calcium create a mix that make Mono very alkaline.
The lake can not support fish; however the algae, brine shrimp and alkali flies contribute to a complex ecosystem, attracting millions of birds that come in for nesting and feeding. The black area in the right lower corner is a large concentration of alkali flies.
Part of the un-worldly appearance of Mono Lake comes from the Tufa towers, strange rock formations that grow underwater from the calcium in the underwater springs that mixes with carbonates in the lake water. Some Tufa towers reach heights over 30 feet, 9.144 meters.
Black Point on the north shore of Mono is one of the volcanic islands that were formed from recent eruptions around 13,000 years ago, when the lake was 400 feet, 121.92 meters deeper than it is today.
The Mono Basin is nestled in against the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, which is also one of the entrances to Yosemite National Park. A glimpse into this ancient era with so many intriguing explorations yet to uncover will be the focus of future blog posts, so check back often to see what unfolds.
What
an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been. I love
it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get
treated to new experiences.
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Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.
"Reflecting Nature's Artistry"
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