Another week, another super cool underwater sight to discuss! This week is about the Marble Caves of Chile. This location seems like the perfect paradise. A secluded clear-blue lake hides one of Earth’s most beautiful gems in the water surrounding southern South America. This cave contains crystals the size of four story buildings, and colorful stone that intertwines with one another right before your eyes.
The caves have many names, but the most famous of them is the “Capilla de Mármol,” or the Marble Chapel. They are located on Lake General Carrera of Buenos Aires (but it depends which side of the lake you are on) in Patagonia, Chile. The weather in this area of South America is generally cold and humid. However, the lake itself is sunny and warm, which is enjoyed by the very small population of people that live along the lake.
Before scientists were able to come up with their own explanation for how these extravagant caves were formed, local people have been creating their own explanations. Maori legend states that the huge boulders found on New Zealand’s Moeraki Beach washed ashore materials from the wreck of a mythological canoe needed to form the caves. Meanwhile, an Irish legend claims that the caves were formed by a god-like quarrel that spanned across the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Scotland.
After centuries of rumors, fairytales, and folklore, scientists have finally discovered the true cause of formation of the caves. As time has progressed and pressures on the stone have fluctuated, the caves have been shaped into their current formation by wav erosion. This allows the caves to reveal a marbled effect, and the mesmerizing colors swirled together are enhanced by their reflection in the blue green water of Carrera Lake. Also, the colors presented on the stone changes depending on the lake’s water levels, which are governed by weather patterns and seasons.
The caves flexible appearance causes visitors wanting to come back for more. In the early spring, the shallow waters are turquoise, which creates a crystalline shine against the walls, which allows the walls to look more luminescent. In the summer, the water levels rise and create a dark blue tone, which gives off a deeper and earthy tone on the stone’s surface. The water levels are also affected significantly by the freezing and melting of glaciers, so it is to be expected that as climate change commences, the colors of the Marble Cave will change as well.
After 6,000 years of nature’s hard work, the caves of calcium carbonate now show off bright blue swirls paired with light greens and purples, making this a go-to adventure destination. The caves are very secluded from the mainland, and can only be reached by boat. But that’s okay, because you are surrounded by a stunning crystal blue seas that can only be envisioned in one’s mind. This location is definitely on my travel bucket list, and now I hope it’s on yours as well.
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/marble-caves-of-chile-chico
http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/worlds-strangest-natural-wonders
http://whenonearth.net/marble-caves-patagonia-chile/
It took me a while to scroll down to the comments of this because I was mesmerized by the pictures that you included. My awe is in the idea that something as simple as the water we drink can transform into so many different beautiful solutions and figurines. Let’s just say if I was a fish, this is the water that I would chose to live in. While we have beautiful man-made monuments like the Eiffel tower, nothing is more impressive than the beauty that our natural earth creates. I’ve been to South America several times but never had the opportunity to see a wonder as immense as this.
The sight must be captivating, large blue crystals protruding out of the surface of the water. This would be a marvelous visit. Its amazing the way that these anomalies come about, through various erosion methods which shape the ice. Also, I wonder what causes the ice to change colors. Great blog, and I hope you keep up the good work.
I would have never imagined that such caves would have these fascinating shapes all created in natural ways. It’s amazing what nature can do really. The images you’ve provided do a great job showcasing the beauty and rich colors of the caves. The fact that these caves were not only just shaped by the water, but have their colors affected by it too, is something that is absolutely amazing. I’ve never heard of these caves before, but I’m glad you chose to write about them, so I had a chance to see their magnificence. I would have continued my life without knowing of this marvelous destination. This is the first time I’ve read your blog, and if you are going to continue to describe wondrous places on this planet, I’ll have to come back and see what else you’ve shared for sure. Keep up the great work!
I’m simply in awe at the raw beauty and exquisite structure of The Marble Caves. The striking colors, complex configurations, and other aesthetics provide more than enough reasons to take in this amazing attraction. How do you even find all of these places? It seems that you pull an extraordinary destination every week, but this allows your readers to appreciate and acknowledge the numerous wonders that Earth encompasses. I hope to continue to be intrigued by your future stunning destinations.
As I mentioned last week, so many of your blogs contain phenomena that involve water. This really puts things in perspective for a kid who’s only experience with “the universal solvent” includes drinking it, visiting the beach once in a blue moon, and swimming in the pool. There is so much unknown stuff that occurs in the water; it is like a whole other world. Imagine the creatures living at the depths of the ocean that have never been discovered! Anyways, the Marble Caves seem like an awesome place to visit. It is so interesting how they were created, too. It seems as if my bucket list gets longer with every passing week of reading your blog.