rocky waters

This picture sparked a discussion on Flickr about the blue-green water that's present in most of the Ozarks. I hadn't given it much thought other than knowing it was either something living in the water (doubtful since it's so wide-spread) or some sort of sediment suspended in the water. I, however, didn't know enough to claim to be an expert and post why.

I asked my on-call expert, Brian Cormack, about it. Here's what he posted:

The blue-green water in the Ozarks is from tiny suspended particles of limestone in the water. The minerals in the water cause it to reflect this particular wavelength of light back out of the water. The creeks and rivers get the bits of limestone from the rocks and cliffs that make up the Ozark plateau.

Anyway, if anyone wondered there's the explanation. This is Six Finger Falls which is created by Falling Water Creek. It's near the small town of Ben Hur, Arkansas. There's a few very pretty waterfalls along this creek. Most of which are viewable from the road.