Volcanic Lagoon on Somuncura Plateau in Argentina

April 23, 2012

VolcaniclagoonS003_IMG_8901_pt (3)

Photographer
: Luis Argerich 
Summary Author: Luis Argerich 

The photo above shows a beautiful early fall sunset and calcite rocks in a volcanic lagoon. It was taken on the Somuncura Plateau in the Rio Negro province of Argentina. The rim of an extinct volcano can be detected around the lagoon. It's thought that these calcite rocks were formed by microorganisms that once thrived in the extreme environments found on the basaltic Somuncura Plateau. Weather conditions are severe here, with persistent strong winds and a very wide range of temperatures between summer and winter. Temperatures can also fluctuate considerably from one day to the next and even between early morning and midafternoon. Photo taken late in the day on March 6, 2011.

Photo details: Make: Canon; Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Focal Length: 50mm; ISO Speed Ratings: 100; White Balance: Auto white balance; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Metering Mode: Pattern; Exposure Program: Aperture priority; Exposure Time: 1/3; Software: GIMP 2.6.11.