Drama on the River
May 13, 2014
Back in February Janet and I went to the Venice Myakka River Park (not to be confused with the Myakka River State Park). The tannins in the river there—it may be a tributary—result in dramatic color. In most places the dark tannic water vividly reflects the sky and surrounding trees. Elsewhere the sandy river bottom is visible and looks orange (from the tannins). If someone can explain what’s going on, please jump in! What determines when the water reflects and when it doesn’t? Is it just the depth of the water? Does it have something to do with cast shadows?
This entry was posted on May 13, 2014 by Linda Grashoff. It was filed under Nature, Reflections, Water and was tagged with Florida, leaves, nature, photography, reflection, tannin, trees, Venice Myakka River Park, water.
Romancing Reality 
Living on a lake shore, I’ve observed that it is the angle of the sun that determines whether I can see to the bottom (where it is relatively shallow) or whether the water is reflective. In the early morning, I can see to the bottom, but as the sun gets higher I cannot.
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May 13, 2014 at 10:56 AM
LOVE this shot, by the way.
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May 13, 2014 at 10:56 AM
So you think it’s the combination of angle of the sun and the depth of the water that determines whether I can see a reflection or the river bottom. That would explain why sometimes I can see both at the same time, as shown in this photograph. Thanks, Tamara!
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May 13, 2014 at 11:12 AM