SPA on Nostr: Hexagon rocks, also known as basalt columns, are natural geological formations that ...
Hexagon rocks, also known as basalt columns, are natural geological formations that occur when lava cools and contracts. These formations are typically found in areas where ancient volcanic activity has taken place. The cooling process causes the lava to crack into long, geometric columns, most commonly hexagonal in shape due to the efficient distribution of stress and the way the rock contracts as it cools.
Formation Process
The process begins when lava flows and cools, contracting as it solidifies. The contraction leads to the formation of cracks, which propagate in a hexagonal pattern due to the efficient distribution of stress. This phenomenon is known as columnar jointing. The hexagonal shape is favored because it minimizes the total length of the cracks that form, which is an efficient way for the rock to relieve the stress caused by cooling and contraction.
Notable Locations
- Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland: This site is famous for its approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. The tallest columns are about 12 meters (39 ft) high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters (92 ft) thick in places. The Giant's Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
- Sawn Rocks, Mount Kaputar National Park, New South Wales, Australia: This location features a spectacular display of columnar jointing, showcasing the natural beauty of these formations.
- Da Dia Cliff (Gành Đá Đĩa), Phú Yên Province, Vietnam: This site is known for its unique hexagonal basalt columns, creating a stunning natural landscape.
Other Examples
Basalt columns can be found in various locations around the world, including:
- Hawaii, USA: Sites like Kilauea Volcano feature basalt columns.
- Iceland: Locations such as the Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park showcase hexagonal basalt columns.
- India: Deccan Traps in Maharashtra and Rajmahal Traps in Eastern India have numerous examples of basalt columns.
Formation Process
The process begins when lava flows and cools, contracting as it solidifies. The contraction leads to the formation of cracks, which propagate in a hexagonal pattern due to the efficient distribution of stress. This phenomenon is known as columnar jointing. The hexagonal shape is favored because it minimizes the total length of the cracks that form, which is an efficient way for the rock to relieve the stress caused by cooling and contraction.
Notable Locations
- Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland: This site is famous for its approximately 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. The tallest columns are about 12 meters (39 ft) high, and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters (92 ft) thick in places. The Giant's Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
- Sawn Rocks, Mount Kaputar National Park, New South Wales, Australia: This location features a spectacular display of columnar jointing, showcasing the natural beauty of these formations.
- Da Dia Cliff (Gành Đá Đĩa), Phú Yên Province, Vietnam: This site is known for its unique hexagonal basalt columns, creating a stunning natural landscape.
Other Examples
Basalt columns can be found in various locations around the world, including:
- Hawaii, USA: Sites like Kilauea Volcano feature basalt columns.
- Iceland: Locations such as the Svartifoss waterfall in Vatnajökull National Park showcase hexagonal basalt columns.
- India: Deccan Traps in Maharashtra and Rajmahal Traps in Eastern India have numerous examples of basalt columns.