Photos

Photographer’s Note

APPALACHIAN SPRING II

This is a sequel to a photograph I posted last week, and the note echoes the text accompanying that image. The Appalachian Mountains are ancient mountains, created 270 million years ago, in distinction to the Himalayas created beginning only 50 million years ago, and still in the process of growing. In an earlier age of plate tectonics, the Appalachians are estimated to have risen to over 12,000 meters (40,000 feet), compared to the Mighty Himalayas, where the highest peak is Mt. Everest rising to 8,850 meters (29,035 feet). However, the erosion by natural forces has worn the Appalachian Mountains to the point where the highest elevation is now a mere 2,037 meters (6,684 ft).

I was visiting the small university town of Maryville, Tennessee for three days — ostensibly to give a series of lectures — when I took a drive to the Smoky Mountains, a branch of the Appalachians. In my brief visit I saw unimaginable natural beauty, especially in Cades Cove, a valley nestled in the mountains. I saw water rushing down hills and valleys, deer by the dozens grazing, but happily missed the black bears who would soon awaken from their long hibernation and begin foraging for breakfast. In this, the second of a number of images that I am posting, the river is illuminated by late-afternoon sunlight streaming through the trees, and accordingly features the cooler colors of blues and greens. What is quite unusual is that the trees are not reflected in the water, rather they are backlit, and their shadows are cast over the water.

Nikon D200, 18-70 mm Nikkor lens; ISO 200; Saturation Enhanced; Sharpness: Med H; Shutter speed 1/100 sec, Apperture f/5; focal length 28 mm; Mode: Program. Tripod.

Photo Information
Viewed: 1319
Points: 102
Discussions
Additional Photos by Bulent Atalay (batalay) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4628 W: 300 N: 6945] (21408)
View More Pictures
explore TREKEARTH