There are places on the planet that seem to have been created for filming films about other worlds and mysterious civilizations of the past. Once there, the first thing you want to say is: “This is fantastic.” And yet this is not a movie, but natural wonders.
Fly Geyser, USA
A geyser in the desert is an unusual phenomenon in itself, and if it looks like an alien monster, tirelessly spewing fountains of boiling water, even more so. You can see this miracle of nature in Nevada.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, people in these places were looking for water for irrigation, and at the same time, they discovered a geothermal source. The well was abandoned, but in the ’60s the water still burst out, forming a small fountain, around which intricate conical-shaped calcium carbonate formations grew over time.
This rocky flower’s unusual Martian color comes from thermophilic algae that thrive in the hot, mineral-rich water continuously pumped from an underground reservoir.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only an amazing natural formation but also a place shrouded in many myths.
According to one legend, the giant Finn McCole created this path to cross the Irish Sea and fight his formidable and equally great adversary from Scotland.
Everything is much more prosaic: giant basalt pillars extending into the ocean were formed about 60 million years ago as a result of intense volcanic activity. However, this does not prevent many tourists from believing that the Giant’s Causeway has mystical powers and going there in search of inspiration, peace, and energy recharging.
Reed Flute Cave, China
Reed Flute Cave is the largest and most picturesque karst cave in China. This underground labyrinth was formed on the site of an ancient ocean more than 180 million years ago, and its walls, bearing the imprint of those ancient times, are lined with intricately intertwined stalactites and stalagmites, more like fairy-tale sculptures than a creation of nature.
Artificial neon lighting enhances the effect of immersion in other worlds and makes the cave look like a set for some science fiction film.
Arizona Wave, USA
On the border of Arizona and Utah in the USA there is a real kingdom of distorting mirrors. We are talking about an unusual sandstone mountain structure from the Jurassic period called “The Wave”.
This geological phenomenon owes its unearthly landscape to ordinary rain and wind. Under their influence, bizarre patterns began to appear on the layered sandy rocks. And the riot of colors was created by minerals oxidized under the influence of groundwater.
Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The Danakil Depression is one of the lowest and hottest places on the planet, and its topography is direct evidence of the Earth’s breathing.
The natural wonder is located in the low-lying part of the East African Cleft – one of the most active zones of splitting of the earth’s crust. Constant tectonic activity makes this area a real laboratory for studying geological processes.
Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand
The coastline of Koekohe Beach is known for its unusually rounded giant rocks that have lain there for millions of years, guarding the secrets of this land.
The largest of them reach three meters in diameter and weigh tens of tons. These balls have been called fossilized dinosaur eggs, a gift from aliens, and traces of the wreck of the mythical canoe Araiteuru, but their author is nature. Work on this unique object, according to scientists, took her 5 million years.
Fingal’s Cave, Scotland
The huge arched passage of Fingalova is like a portal to another universe. Inside you will find huge halls decorated with intricate stalactites and stalagmites, which are reflected in dark water mirrors, which create the impression of a double world – above water and underwater.
The walls of limestone rocks are shrouded in intricate patterns reminiscent of sea foam, making it seem as if you are traveling inside an incredible grotesque painting.
The unique acoustics of the cave enhance the unreality effect of what is happening: every step and every word is carried throughout the endless halls, complementing your journey with a special soundtrack.