The rainbow marshes in Virginia look magic

Every year, as the winter arrives, a natural and enchanting phenomenon in the State Landing State Park in Virginia, USA surprises visitors. In this phenomenon, known as the rainbow swamp, the water level of a flood forest with a sunlight from a particular angle turns into a brilliant painting canvas of colorful colors.

In the Virginia Landing State Park, an area that has a historical reputation due to the landing of the first English colony in year 6, has a natural and less well -known attraction that only appears in the colder months of the year. Along the way to the bald hiking, there is a swamp that has a completely normal, stagnant and stagnant appearance, but in late fall and winter, it becomes a stunning light show.

This phenomenon occurs when the calm water level of this flood forest becomes a vast and bright rainbow under the sun, with the shade of bald trees and their knee roots. But what is the scientific reason for this light and color dance?

According to park officials, this phenomenon is the result of the decomposition of the needle -shaped leaves in the fall. These leaves contain natural oils that slowly enter the water. These oils are separated from the water and form a very thin, invisible layer on the surface. When sunlight shines at this thin layer with a good angle, it breaks down the light like a charter and exhibits a range of beautiful colors, similar to what is seen in a gas stain on the water.

In addition, biological processes in marsh soil, caused by iron breakdown by bacteria, can also help strengthen this rainbow effect.

The formation of this magical landscape depends on very specific conditions. The most important condition is the peace of the water. According to experts, this oil layer is very fragile and any movement caused by water flow or wind can easily eliminate it. For this reason, this phenomenon is usually visible in smaller ponds and completely stagnant water.

Although Park Landing Park is one of the most famous examples, this phenomenon occurs throughout the southern states of the United States, which are the habitat of bald trees. For example, there is also a flood forest that shines in mid -February. Michael Hassi, the landowner in which the marsh is located, says:

I have seen this phenomenon about 5 times in the 5 years I have lived here. Watching it is very beautiful.