A Growing Waterfall

Have you ever seen a growing waterfall?

I suppose it may not even be that uncommon, but it was the first time I saw one (or maybe was aware of this special fact). Over the years this waterfall has grown to over 6 m in height and is a relatively rare sight to behold in this part of the country.

During the construction of a railway line in 1912, some water streams were combined which led to the creation of the waterfall. The heavy growth of mosses, together with diatoms accelerate the growth of the waterfall by increasing the surface area and binding precipitating lime. Apparently this amounts to around 4,500 kg per year! Due to its constant growth, the moss escapes encrustation with carbonate on its surface. However, in the area of its adhesion to the calcareous sinter, it dies, becomes encrusted, and thus continuously forms new, porous sinter rock which causes an annual growth of around 10 cm.

I assume the growth is therefore the result of both the moss as well as the rock constantly accumulating more mass. Since the stream feeding the waterfall is, however, not very big and water seeks the least resistance, I think it is probably reasonable to assume that the waterfall might rather increase in width than in height over the years to come.

There is a small cave inside as well - and I got soaked standing in it after just a minute or so. The water is very clear and clean as you can see.

After a bit of climbing I managed to capture a shot from the top. As you can see the stream feeding the waterfall is not very big. Yet it somehow manages to create a fairly impressive display further down below.

In the nearby woods some people started to layer some rocks to create these interesting stone formations. I couldn't resist the temptation to build one myself of course...