Caustic Network in a Stream

Caustic network in a stream Caustic network in a stream

A crystal clear, smooth flowing stream in strong sunlight shows a strong caustic network caused by the lensing action of the ripples.

In this more oblique view the short exposure reveals patches of colour caused by the dispersion of the crude water 'lenses'.

Caustic network in a stream

Here small eddies deflect enough light to create these patches of shadow. On a still image it can be quite hard to pick out the eddies themselves because of all the other conflicting light patterns, though they are quite obvious in real time.


Canon EOS 20D   1st July 2007
Yellowstone National Park

Other Glows Topics