Geological wonders

Continuing yesterday's post about the most amazing geological wonders in the world

Fireplaces fairies - Cappadocia, Turkey




Fairy chimneys or fireplaces fairies - is high rocky formation of a conical shape. They were formed from volcanic ash from the eruption as a result of centuries of wind and water erosion. The height of the fairy chimneys varies from 1, 5 to 45 meters. Jeita Grotto - Lebanon


Jeita Grotto - a system of limestone caves, located 20 kilometers north of the Lebanese capital Beirut. They can be visited only by boat on an underground river, which supplies drinking water to more than a million Lebanese.

Skaftafell - Iceland


Skaftafell - a nature reserve, located in the south-eastern part of Iceland. Its landscape is very similar to the Alps, with the difference that it has formed several thousand years ago and is a combination of volcanoes and glaciers.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River - Philippines


Puerto Princesa Underground River flows through the Philippine island of Palawan, 50 kilometers from the city of the same name. It is considered the most beautiful and the longest underwater navigable river in the world, its length is 8, 2 km away. In addition, the river is known for bizarre rock formations and unusual marine life and large caves. Most remote areas virtually inaccessible to visitors due to lack of oxygen.

Yellowstone Caldera - Wyoming


Yellowstone Caldera, surrounded by canyons, rivers, lakes and mountain ranges - the place where the largest supervolcano on the continent. It is home to grizzly bears, bison, moose, wolves and many other animals. The most notable geyser Old Faithful, which is considered one of the most predictable geographical formations in the world - it erupts every 91 minute.

Arches National Park - Utah (USA)


At Arches National Park, which is located in the eastern part of Utah, has more than 2,000 natural arches formed from sandstone. Particularly known to get so-called "graceful arch" or, as it is called, the arch "Cowboy Boots».

Richat structure - Mauritania


This geological formation is also called "Eye of the Sahara". This photo Danish astronaut Andre Kuipers made with the International Space Station. No one can say with certainty how this structure was formed. Previously, experts believed that most likely it is the result of the fall of the celestial body. Today, however, scientists are more inclined to release the action of erosion or a giant tornado.

Land of the ice giants - Austria


Eisriesenwelt Earth or ice giants - the largest ice cave (ie the cave in which the ice is maintained all year round) in the world. It is located in Austria, 40 kilometers from Salzburg and stretches for 42 kilometers. This place is visited annually by about 200 thousand tourists.

Babel - Romania


Babel means "old woman." This term is somewhat similar to mushrooms rocky formations Bucegi mountain range in central Romania. This is one of the most popular attractions of the country.

Wave - Arizona


Wave- sandstone rock formation located on the Colorado Plateau near the border of the two US states - Arizona and Utah. It is extremely picturesque place is very popular among hikers and photographers. However, not easy to get here - it will have to do the hard way on a deserted road.

Marine geysers and rock "Pancakes" - New Zealand


Penkeyk Rocks (rock or "pancake") - unusual rock formations on the coast of New Zealand. Marine geysers are formed when, during the big waves water gets into the crevices between the rocks and the powerful fountain vzmetayutsya to great heights.

Fingal's Cave - Scotland


Fingal's Cave - a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa in Scotland. Due to its size and curved like a dome vault this place has a unique acoustics. The sounds of the surf and transformed echo throughout the cave, causing a sensation in the presence of the Holy Face gigantic cathedral.