Description:
Soda Dam is a unique geologic feature formed due to both
the presence of a geo-thermal system and to deep seated faulting
in the area. A very deep fault at Soda Dam (roughly perpendicular
to the highway) serves as a conduit to bring water to the
surface. Because of deep faults in the area, surface waters
are able to penetrate deep enough to be heated by the earth
itself, which is in turn heated by the molten rock underlying
the area.
When heated and pressurized (due to enormous weight of rock
materials above) water is able to carryt gases and minerals
in a dissolved form, but once reaching the surface, just like
"hard water deposits" in a home faucet.
At Soda Dam, the colorful veil and flowing appearance reflect
the cumulative deposits of thousands of years of minerals,
dissolved from rocks deep under the earth, and brought to
the surface by the hot springs rising along the fault. The
mineral Calcium Carbonate, or Travertine makes up the bulk
of the deposit. Minor amounts of other minerals or elements
cause the different colors in the formation. The bubbles that
can be seen rising in the spring waters of Soda Dam are gases
dissolved in the water at depth, which on reaching the surface
are released into the atmosphere, similar to bubbles in a
carbonated drink are released from a bottle or can when opened.
Soda Dam forms a natural dam to the Jemez River, whihc cuts
through it to continue its course. The unique formation shows
the continuous processes of nature both building and destroying
the feature at the same time.
Pets must be on a leash or restrained
at all times while in developed areas. |
