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We Explain The Geology And Physics That Make This One Of The Most Unique Places On The Planet, With Dunes, Waterfalls, And Bubbling Springs.
Imagine a desert. The image that comes to mind is probably that of a vast expanse of dry, lifeless sand. Now, erase that image. Think of a “desert” with dunes of an orange hue reaching 40 meters high, but surrounded by rivers of drinkable water, imposing waterfalls, and, most intriguingly, wells of bubbling water where it is physically impossible to sink.
This paradoxical place of breathtaking beauty exists and is hidden in the heart of Brazil. It is the Jalapão State Park in Tocantins. But behind the scenery that attracts adventurers from all over the world, there is a fascinating explanation in science, a combination of geology and physics that created a unique landscape on the planet.
The ‘Desert’ That Was Born From Rock: The Geology Behind The Orange Dunes
The first question everyone asks is: why is the sand in Jalapão orange? The answer is not in the sand itself, but in the mountains surrounding it. The famous Jalapão dunes are made up of tiny quartz grains.
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This sand is the result of millions of years of erosion from the Serra do Espírito Santo, an imposing quartz sandstone formation. The constant wind in the region removes the finer grains from the hill and deposits them always in the same area, forming the dunes. The intense orange color comes from the iron oxide-rich composition present in the quartz, which “rusts” when in contact with air and moisture, giving the landscape its characteristic reddish hue.
The Pool That Doesn’t Let You Sink: The Physics Behind The Bubbling Springs
The most famous and intriguing phenomenon of Jalapão is the bubbling springs. These are small turquoise-blue lagoons, incredibly crystal clear, with a white sand bottom. The great magic is that, when you enter them, it is true that you do not sink. You can try as hard as you want, but your body will be pushed upwards.
This is not magic, it is pure physics. The bubbling springs of Jalapão are, in fact, the source of an underground river. The water coming from the aquifer is under immense pressure, seeking a path to the surface. When it finds a crack in the sandy ground, it jets upwards with continuous and powerful force.
This phenomenon is called resurgence. The pressure of the water coming from below creates an upward buoyancy so strong that it negates the weight of your body, preventing you from sinking. The sensation of floating effortlessly while the sand bubbles beneath your feet is a unique experience.
Where Is It Located And What Is The Best Time To Visit Jalapão?
The Jalapão State Park is located in the eastern part of the state of Tocantins, about 300 km from the capital, Palmas. Access is made exclusively by 4×4 vehicles, as the roads are made of sand and dirt.
The best time to visit Jalapão is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this period, rains are rare, the sky is almost always blue, and the temperatures are milder. It is the perfect setting to explore not only the dunes and the bubbling springs but also the dozens of waterfalls, such as those of Velha and Formiga, and rock formations like Pedra Furada.
Jalapão is proof that the engineering of nature, through millions of years of geology and the laws of physics, is capable of creating the most surprising and beautiful spectacles on Earth.
Among the incredible places in Brazil, which one do you dream of visiting? Jalapão, Lençóis Maranhenses, or Mount Roraima? Vote!
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