Factors Affecting Tufa Deposition

Water Chemistry: High levels of dissolved calcium and bicarbonate ions provide essential materials for tufa formation. Water must be supersaturated with respect to calcite, often achieved by reducing carbon dioxide content.2024.sci-hub+1
Carbon Dioxide Degassing: The release of carbon dioxide at the air–water interface, especially in rapidly moving or turbulent water at waterfall sites, causes water to become supersaturated and precipitate calcium carbonate.sciencedirect+1
Water Temperature and pH: Higher temperatures and increasing pH levels favour calcite precipitation, accelerating tufa growth.sciencedirect+1
Biological Activity: Microphytes, algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms enhance calcium carbonate deposition by photosynthesising and removing carbon dioxide from the water. These organisms also provide a framework for tufa to accumulate, increasing both rate and volume.crcleme+1
Flow Velocity and Hydrodynamics: Fast-flowing or turbulent water increases the aeration effect, lowers pressure, and enhances CO2 outgassing, all of which accelerate deposition.2024.sci-hub+1
Substrate Availability: Surfaces provided by rocks, plants, or biological mats allow tufa to nucleate and grow more efficiently.geologyscience+1

In summary, tufa deposition rates depend primarily on water chemistry, CO2 degassing, biological activity, temperature, and water flow characteristics, with biological frameworks and turbulent water especially accelerating growth.crcleme+4

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Key Factors affecting Tufa Deposition