Intense Red Puddle

 

Photographer: Piero Armando  
Summary Author: Piero Armando  

During a recent excursion around the village of Cogne in Valle d'Aosta in northern Italy, along the Urtier stream, I came across this intense, red-colored puddle in the depression of a boulder. The color is due to a type of red algae (Chlamydomonas nivalis or Haemotococus), which in addition to chlorophyll is composed of carotenoid pigments. I believe the rock may be quartz schist. Photo taken on July 30, 2023.

Photo details: Canon EOS 600D camera; 1/100 second exposure; f/11; 39 mm; ISO 200.    

Cogne in Valle d'Aosta, Italy Coordinates: 45.6076, 7.3591


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