Seven Day Nature Photography Challenge

Day Three.

Straw formation in Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave, in the Brecon Beacons, South Wales.

Straw formations are created by water dripping from the same spot for thousands of years. Each time a drop of water falls off, it leaves a tiny trace of minerals, mostly calcite, that were dissolved into the water as it trickled through the cave. These calcite deposits gradually build up until a hollow straw is formed. Straws can grow to be several meters long and are incredibly fragile. On average, they take approximately 150 years per centimetre to grow - but that does depend on drip speed and how much mineral is contained in those drips. 

This photograph was taken for DSLR User magazine, as part of a feature on cave photography.

On Facebook I have been challenged to post one photograph per day of 'Nature' and am posting those pictures here too.... A 'Straw' cave formation in Ogof Ffynnon Ddu cave, Wales, UK

#cave #straw #formation, #Wales. #BreconBeacons