Around the world in ten photos: day nine
A real-life geology lesson
These hexagonal pillars look more man-made than natural. They are quite regular in size, creating the impression that they were somehow manufactured. In a sense they were, but by nature rather than man.
Margaret of From Pyrenees to Pennines and Teresa of My Camera & I have both invited me to join them and other bloggers to post one favourite travel picture a day for ten days without explanation, then each day, nominate someone new to join in on the same terms. I don’t usually post a single photo on my blog; I like to tell a story. But for this challenge I’ll resist that temptation and instead play a guessing game with you all. So, does anyone know where this landscape can be seen?
And the answer is, the basalt column cliffs of Gerðuberg, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland. Its hexagonal pillars are quite regular in size, mostly twelve to fourteen metres high and about one and a half metres in diameter. The basalt was formerly lava flowing from a volcano; which was rapidly cooled when it met the sea and formed these even shapes as a result.
I realise not everyone likes to be nominated for this sort of thing so I’m not nominating any more people. But if anyone else would like to join in the fun, please link back to this post as I’d love to see your photos!
10 Comments
rosalieann37
There are regular formations like that in a couple of places and sometimes, when it is in a marine location, people think it is evidence of Atlantis. I haven’t been to that location or to the Giants Causeway which I think is similar, but I’ve seen some like that in Bermuda.
Sarah Wilkie
Yes, I think the Giants Causeway is a similar formation although I’ve never been there. We did visit the Devil’s Postpile in CA which is definitely similar, but not on the scale of these cliffs which stretch for half a mile!
starship VT
Nice photo, Sarah! I won’t guess the name of the place shown in this photo because I was there with you when you took it!
Sarah Wilkie
Indeed you were! But I’ll be posting the answer later today anyway, so if you want to show off and get in first feel free!
Easymalc
I’m wondering if this picture was taken on an island in the North Atlantic
Sarah Wilkie
Your thinking is on the right lines Malcolm 🙂
Easymalc
Is it a place that sounds as though it should be freezing?
Sarah Wilkie
Right country, yes – well done!
margaret21
Phew, well I’ve never been to Palazzo Pfanner. Nor to today’s location. I’m wondering though about California?
Sarah Wilkie
Oh dear, I’m afraid you’re some way off today Margaret – not even the right continent 😉