Soda Dam by shscott

Photography • Landscape • posted on Jan 24, 2008

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Description

This is a long natural dam formed from mineral deposits of calcium carbonate. The minerals from the hot springs in the area are dissolved and transported via underground channels where the water cools rapidly upon contact with the outside air, forming these thick deposits. The dam is large enough to walk on and the Jemez River flows beside and cuts under it (it's just out of view to the lower right). The original dam was about 300 feet long, but part of it was blown up decades ago to make room for the highway. This is literally right beside the road and quite easy to miss if you're driving too fast. Some different shots and info found here.