HomeAmazingThe Stunning Stepped Travertine Terrace of Badab-e Surt
The Stunning Stepped Travertine Terrace of Badab-e Surt
3958
The Stepped Travertine Terrace of Badab-e Surt (translated as gassed water) is located in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran. It is considered one of the most incredible sights of its region approximately 95 kilometers south of the city of Sari and 7 km west of Orost village.
Badab-e-Surt comprises a range of stepped travertine terraces & rock formations that have been generated for thousands of years as flowing water from two mineral hot springs cooled and deposited carbonate minerals on the mountainside.
The red color of travertine terraces is due to iron carbonate minerals dissolved in water flowing from mineral hot springs. It is thought that the spring pool was created during the Paleocene Era and at the same time as the latest folds in the Alborz mountain range. Badab-e-Surt terraces are natural wonders made with two distinct mineral springs with different natural characteristics.
Badab-e-Surt is located 1,840 meters above sea level just west of the village of Orost. The first spring contains very salty water that gathers in a small natural pool; its water is considered to have medicinal properties, especially as a cure for rheumatism and some types of skin diseases and skin conditions. The second spring has a sour taste and is predominately orange mainly due to the large iron oxide sediments at its outlet. In one part of the floor of the pond, there is a deep hole is called the Bermuda Erost.
Moreover, stepped travertine terraces are so popular on planet earth. Such famous examples include Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, The White Water Terraces and Huanglong Scenic in China, Italy’s Bagni San Filippo, Mexico’s Hierve el Agua and most famous of them all Pamukkale in Turkey.
The travertine terraces of Badab-e-Surt are bright orange, yellow, and red as compared to other shades of white and blue, due to a large number of iron oxide sediments. Therefore, the water from two springs emanating from the mountain range has combined and resulted in pools shaped like a naturally formed staircase.
However, the surrounding vegetation to the north contains pine forests while to the east it mainly comprises short trees and shrubs; and rock quarries can be seen to the west of the site. Indeed, Badab-e-Surt is a fantastic place to see, widespread due to the usage of water treatment for many diseases.
The site has been registered as 2nd natural heritage of Iran on UNESCO’s list. Therefore, the Orost village and Badab-e-Surt Spring are easily accessible via Semnan as most of the way is being paved and vehicles are leaving dirt in the air leading up to the spring.
It is suggested to visit the place during either sunrise or sunset when the sun’s light offers the orange reflection blends in perfectly colored spring. Although Badab-e-Surt is beautiful in all seasons, the best time to visit is early April.
The Badab-e-Surt is in danger of gradual erosion and eventual demise same like other natural landmarks in Iran however, environmentalists and nature lovers have repeatedly expressed concern regarding the protection of this natural wonder, citing that despite being registered as a natural site. So, it’s a must-visit destination for all-natural lovers.
