Mosses, algae and water plants play a major role in forming the unique landscape of the Plitvice Lakes and its tufa barriers.
Up until the 21st century, it was supposed that plants extract carbon dioxide from the water for photosynthesis purposes and that in return oxygen is released, thus resulting in the sedimentation of hydrogen carbonate (phytogenesis).
The leading scientist arguing for this theory was Ivo Pevalek.
Thanks to his efforts the Plitvice Lakes are now under national protection.

Recent scientific evidence indicates that vegetation is not primarily responsible for the extraction of carbonate from the flowing water.
However, plants indirectly contribute to tufa formation.
For sedimentation to occur it is essential that the water be decelerated, aerated and sprayed.
The mosses of the Plitvice Lakes waterfalls provide a substrate for sedimentation, generating travertine (tufa).
Depending on the species found locally, various biological types of travertine can be differentiated.

Photosynthesis activities of algae and mosses in conjunction with the water, however, foster the crystallization of sediments due to the extraction of carbon dioxide.
These effects are fostered by the millions of microscopically-small bacteria and algae that grow on such plants.
They secrete mucus to which the first microcrystals of calcite adhere.
The most significant plants of this kind are mosses of the species bryum and cratoneuron.

The young shoots of mosses are green and soft.
They are mostly without travertine, while older shoots are encrusted by a thin and fragile yellow layer, completely covered and petrified by plant-formed travertine.
The mosses foster not only the creation of tufa barriers, but also become part of the barrier.
The moss becomes encrusted with travertine and fresh moss grows further out.
First a crag is formed but later a cave roof forms under the crag.
If the water continues flowing, the cave becomes progressively bigger.
Older travertine is filled with fossilized algae and mosses.
This type of tufa rock typical of the Plitvice Lakes is called "phytogeneous tufa."
Mosses, algae and water plants play a major role in forming the unique landscape of the Plitvice Lakes and its tufa barriers. Up until the 21st century, it was supposed that plants extract carbon dioxide from the water for photosynthesis purposes and that in return oxygen is released, thus resulting in the sedimentation of hydrogen carbonate (phytogenesis). The leading scientist arguing for this theory was Ivo Pevalek. Thanks to his efforts the Plitvice Lakes are now under national protection.
Recent scientific evidence indicates that vegetation is not primarily responsible for the extraction of carbonate from the flowing water. However, plants indirectly contribute to tufa formation. For sedimentation to occur it is essential that the water be decelerated, aerated and sprayed. The mosses of the Plitvice Lakes waterfalls provide a substrate for sedimentation, generating travertine (tufa). Depending on the species found locally, various biological types of travertine can be differentiated.
Photosynthesis activities of algae and mosses in conjunction with the water, however, foster the crystallization of sediments due to the extraction of carbon dioxide. These effects are fostered by the millions of microscopically-small bacteria and algae that grow on such plants. They secrete mucus to which the first microcrystals of calcite adhere. The most significant plants of this kind are mosses of the species bryum and cratoneuron.
The young shoots of mosses are green and soft. They are mostly without travertine, while older shoots are encrusted by a thin and fragile yellow layer, completely covered and petrified by plant-formed travertine. The mosses foster not only the creation of tufa barriers, but also become part of the barrier. The moss becomes encrusted with travertine and fresh moss grows further out. First a crag is formed but later a cave roof forms under the crag. If the water continues flowing, the cave becomes progressively bigger. Older travertine is filled with fossilized algae and mosses. This type of tufa rock typical of the Plitvice Lakes is called "phytogeneous tufa."
Plitvice Lakes National Park