Fallen Tufa

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 30, 20111,468 views8 comments

It was a very gray day at Mono Lake's Navy Beach last spring. Wind, rain, and time are working to reduce these sand tufas back to the sediments from which they were derived. Sand tufas form below the lake bottom as spring water raises through the sandy sediments, cementing the grains together. These hollow tubes are basically the plumbing system for the tufas that form below the water surface. Mono Lake is beyond the horizon and out of view.
Thanks and comments always welcome,
Rudy

D700, 24-70mm @ 34mm
f16 @ 1/4

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on August 30, 2011 at 11:50 PM

Very well composed, Rudy. The fallen pillar makes for a very strong FG.
Good detail and as well as correct DOF in my opinion. You composed
showing quite a bit of variety with tufa giving way while other sections are
still standing tall.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on August 31, 2011 at 12:32 AM

Def has a post-apocalyptic look to it Rudy! I've always loved these sand tufas and a great subject, but not sure they all balance for me personally. I guess as a viewer I'm left wanting to see a little less of the RHS of the frame and a little more that's out of the frame on the left. Hope that helps.

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on August 31, 2011 at 2:15 AM

Rudy,

I think this is an excellent capture from near Navy Beach. I've yet to explore this little area in all the years I've been going to Mono Lake.

I like the b&w treatment here as it really helps emphasize the geologic nature of this find. I think you've crafted this quite nicely. BTW, the cloud is an excellent and complimentary element to the comp.

The only other thought I have, which has nothing to do really with your image, is that I just get the sense that some knucklehead actually might have kicked this thing over in recent years rather than it succumbing to weather and wind. Just a thought - and an unfortunate one at that if it were true.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on August 31, 2011 at 12:44 PM

This is a great take on Mono lake. It has the look of a lost civilization, some Greek ruins.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Jeffrey Sipress on August 31, 2011 at 1:03 PM

Very nice, Rudy. I like the mood here.

Registered on February 17, 2004, 236 Posts, 1197 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on August 31, 2011 at 2:49 PM

I was thinking the same thing as Harley was when I saw this Rudy. Looks like ancient Greek ruins! Very cool, and I love the high key tones in this!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on August 31, 2011 at 5:49 PM

Interesting subject and an excellent treatment. a very memorable image. Nice

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on August 31, 2011 at 8:17 PM

This is really great, Rudy. Looks like an old run down town or some ancient ruins. Very nice comp and sense of story.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments