As of today, peak season now, through ~September 30. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
In the high mountains of northeast Georgia, near Kazbegi and the Russian border, the Truso Valley hides a slow act of geology you can watch happening.
Carbon-dioxide-charged mineral springs rise here from deep Jurassic rock, and as their iron-rich water spreads and the gas escapes, it lays down travertine: rust-orange, red and ochre crusts that stain the valley floor in vivid mineral terraces at around 2,100 metres elevation.
The colours are startling against the grey-green alpine grassland and snow-streaked peaks, like rust bled across the earth.
Nearby, the small Abano mineral lake gives the process a voice: charged with carbon dioxide rising from far below, its water audibly bubbles and 'boils' as gas shoots to the surface, even though the lake itself is barely larger than a pond.
The valley is also dotted with crumbling stone watchtowers and a hilltop fortress, set beneath glaciated summits.
Reached by a flat but long trail or a 4x4 track up from Kobi on the Georgian Military Highway, Truso pairs raw geology with high, lonely Caucasus beauty.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
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| Truso Travertines & Abano Mineral Lake |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.