A rare geological phenomenon in Iran! These stepped terraces of travertine, a sedimentary rock, are considered one of the natural wonders of the world. These are the “terraces” of Badab-e Surt in northern Iran.
Badab-e Surt | Iran’s Orange terraces: It has been created for thousands of years as the water flowing from two metallic hot springs is cooled and leaves carbonate minerals on the mountainside. The first source contains very salty water and is considered to have healing properties, especially for rheumatism and skin disorders, while the second is acidic.
These natural pools are 1,840 meters above sea level in the Mazandaran province. It is estimated that they were formed during the geological periods of Pleistocene and Pliocene. The terraces of Badab-e Surt’s travertine are in the shades of orange and red. This is due to the presence of large quantities of iron oxide sediments.
The place takes its name from a combination of the Persian words Bad, meaning “natural gas” and AB, “water”. Surt is an old name of the Orost village, but it also means “intensity”.
Photo Ali MEHRPOUR
Photo Ali MEHRPOUR
Photo ninara
Photo Hapal
Photo ninara
Source: Atlas Obscura
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