These pictures were taken before, during and after the NSS 2003 Convention Geology Field Trip. Thanks go to Louise D. Hose our trip planner and leader. Geology notes are below.
The colors are fairly accurate for the local Lee Vining Park. The Navy Beach ones are effected by the glow of the sunset and the blue sky. The Mono Lake South Tufa colors were adjusted to my memory of the place.
These tufa formations result from combining calcium (from the under water springs) with carbonates in the water. Navy Beach is an example of the process taking place in the lake bed sands. 2010 comment: Don't expect to find the last few formations today as they were very soft.