Welcome to Pamukkale The Origin of Life and History

Prof. Nergis ERDOĞAN 17/Sep/04 - Pamukkale 1

Welcome to Pamukkale

The Origin of Life and

History


Pamukkale - Hierapolis History

Travertines


Pamukkale - Hierapolis Pamukkale is located in the Inner Aegean Region of Turkey 20 kilometers from the town of Denizli. Pamukkale (means Cotton Castle in Turkish) is beautiful and unique place in the world not only with its natural beauty but also historical remains.


On approaching Pamukkale, the first thing you will see is a rock platform over 100 m in height rising up from the plain.


The slopes of this hill, which look from a distance like a great white speck, are covered with large numbers of pools and terraces. As you come nearer, you will begin to see this natural phenomenon, which resembles a frozen waterfall, in greater detail.


From the edge of every terrace and every step in this gradually formed fascinating natural phenomenon hang brilliantly white stalactites and you can hear the joyful splashing of the waters of the hot springs as they cascade down over slopes.


The temperature of the water forming the travertine, which results from the hot springs on the hills above, falls to around 33 C° and lower. On emerging to the surface, the solution of calcium-bicarbonate in the spring water decomposes into carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate and water. The carbon dioxide is released into the water and air while the calcium carbonate separates off from the water to form grayish-white limestone sediment and stalactites.


Although the water flowing from the hot springs rapidly loses heat during its flow through these open channels it is still hot enough to make it possible for one to bathe throughout six months of the year in the open-air swimming pools in the motels and on the terraces.