Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Travertine is formed where stream water supersaturated with respect to CaCO3 outgasses CO. These deposits record three successive episodes of downcutting and travertine deposition in the valley. Travertine present in valley of Falling Spring Run is composed primarily of calcite (~90%) with ~3% organic matter, and ~7% insoluble residue. The travertine cascades in Falling Spring Run accrete at an average rate of .033 g/cm’ per month. A cascade with 25 ft (7.5 m) of relief in a stream that is 5 ft (1.5 m) wide would accrete over 100 lbs of travertine in a year, assuming no significant erosion. Three ancient terraces occur in the valley of Falling Spring Run and are distinguishable by topographic expression and diagenetic properties. These deposits show how the streams course and channel geometry have changed over time.
Date Awarded
2002
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
Gerald H. Johnson
Recommended Citation
Carroll, Chris, "Distribution, Mineralogy and Geologic History of the Travertine-Marl deposits along Falling Spring Road, Verona, Virginia" (2002). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 93.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/93
