Havasu Falls, Havasupai Nation, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Travertine pools spill water at the base of Havasu Falls along Havasu Creek on the Havasupai Nation in this photograph in Grand Canyon, Arizona. These travertine ledges are continually created as calcium and magnesium carbonates precipitate out of the mineral-laden waters which flow down this canyon. These minerals are carried in solution due to the high levels of dissolved carbon dioxide in the water and begin to precipitate out as the carbon dioxide evaporates from the water. This process results in an elaborate and every-changing series of travertine pools at the base of each waterfall along Havasu creek. These dissolved minerals also tint the water a lovely turquoise green. As quickly as these travertine pools are created, they are destroyed by the frequent flash floods which scour this canyon during the late-summer monsoon season. The Havasupai people live in the village of Supai just upstream from this waterfall. All goods to this village are brought in by trail or helicopter since no roads penetrate this deep canyon. This photograph was captured from the side of the trail to the falls.