A fascinating optical illusion can be found at the southwestern tip of Mauritius Island. If seen from above, this part of the island seems to be melting into the ocean, forming a spectacular underwater waterfall. We owe this to a runoff of sand and silt deposits (the light-coloured portion of the water) and the downward pull of the receding waves.
Click here to view the Original Image Size
Mauritius is an island nation officially called the Republic of Mauritius, or in French, République de Maurice, located in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of the African continent. Mauritius was initially discovered by the Arabs in 975 AD, followed by the Portuguese between 1507 and 1513. The islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues as well as the French department of Réunion form part of the Mascarene Islands. Since its discovery then there have been periods of succession and colonization by the Dutch, French, and British. Mauritius gained republic status in 1968.
Images (clockwise) Kulfoto, Google Maps, St Regis Mauritius
Click here to view the Original Image Size
Mauritius is an island nation officially called the Republic of Mauritius, or in French, République de Maurice, located in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometers off the southeast coast of the African continent. Mauritius was initially discovered by the Arabs in 975 AD, followed by the Portuguese between 1507 and 1513. The islands of Mauritius, Rodrigues as well as the French department of Réunion form part of the Mascarene Islands. Since its discovery then there have been periods of succession and colonization by the Dutch, French, and British. Mauritius gained republic status in 1968.
Click here to view the Original Image Size
A fascinating illusion can be found at the Southwestern tip of the island. When seen from the air, a runoff of sand and silt deposits makes the illusion of an underwater waterfall. The visually deceiving impression is absolutely breathtaking when seen from aerial shots. In fact, the illusion can even be seen on Google Maps. Satellite views are dramatic, as an underwater current seemingly appears off the coastline of this tropical heaven. Viewed from other perspectives, the ocean appears to be a spectacular gamut of greens, blues, and whites, creating the false impression that it plummets down just like a raging waterfall.
Click here to view the Original Image Size
Causing the visual magic here is the sand, which is the fair-colored part of the water. The current caused by waves smashing against that specific part of the island causes the sand to be dispersed in a natural, waterfall-like manner of the receding waves’ downward pull. In a manner of speaking, it is in fact an underwater waterfall, but more akin to an hourglass, rather than a typical cascading water.
Click here to view the Original Image Size
Still, although it is made apparent that there is no roaring waterfall, there is something enormously delightful about the thought of underwater falls. This is because of the fact that there is so much left still unknown about the earth’s oceans. Despite being unreal, it nonetheless makes for an enchanting aerial visual.
Click here to view the Original Image Size
Click here to view the Original Image Size
Comments
Post a Comment