Top Tweets for #BasaltColumns

6 months ago

🟥 ⛏️ The Symphony of Stones also known as the Basalt Organ, is a striking natural formation in the Garni Gorge along the Azat River in Armenia, composed of tall columnar basalt. 🔁 ❤️ #SymphonyOfStones #BasaltColumns 🎞 YouTube: @al.khmelnitskis ▶️ An extrusive mafic igneous rock rich in plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, olivine, and iron oxides such as magnetite. The columns are predominantly hexagonal, with some pentagonal, exhibiting classic columnar jointing and reaching heights of up to 50 meters, often appearing to hang symmetrically against gravity. ▶️ Geologically, it formed from basaltic lava flows during volcanic activity approximately 40 million years ago, when molten lava from nearby mountains filled the gorge area. As the lava cooled and contracted relatively uniformly from the surface inward, tensile stresses caused it to fracture perpendicular to the cooling surfaces, producing the polygonal prismatic columns. ↘️ Subsequent erosion by the Azat River and weathering exposed and refined these structures, carving the gorge and highlighting the dramatic vertical walls.

$geologyBits's tweet photo. 🟥 ⛏️ The Symphony of Stones also known as the Basalt Organ, is a striking natural formation in the Garni Gorge along the Azat River in Armenia, composed of tall columnar basalt. 🔁 ❤️ #SymphonyOfStones #BasaltColumns 🎞 YouTube: @al.khmelnitskis ▶️ An extrusive mafic igneous rock rich in plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene, olivine, and iron oxides such as magnetite. The columns are predominantly hexagonal, with some pentagonal, exhibiting classic columnar jointing and reaching heights of up to 50 meters, often appearing to hang symmetrically against gravity. ▶️ Geologically, it formed from basaltic lava flows during volcanic activity approximately 40 million years ago, when molten lava from nearby mountains filled the gorge area. As the lava cooled and contracted relatively uniformly from the surface inward, tensile stresses caused it to fracture perpendicular to the cooling surfaces, producing the polygonal prismatic columns. ↘️ Subsequent erosion by the Azat River and weathering exposed and refined these structures, carving the gorge and highlighting the dramatic vertical walls.$

118

Geology Bits of Knowledge

@geologyBits

7 months ago

🟥 ⛏️ Stuðlagil Canyon in Jökuldalur Valley, East Iceland, features one of the world's most extensive and striking arrays of columnar basalt formations, with tall, densely packed hexagonal (and occasional pentagonal or heptagonal) columns. 🔁 ❤️ #StuðlagilCanyon #BasaltColumns 🎞️YouTube: @Astrono-trip ▶️ Rising vertically up to 30 meters along both sides of the narrow gorge carved by the Jökla River, whose waters shift from vivid turquoise in low-sediment periods to gray, brown during glacial melt. ▶️ Geologically and mineralogically, the canyon exposes tholeiitic basalt, a mafic extrusive igneous rock rich in iron and magnesium, primarily composed of plagioclase feldspar (labradorite to anorthite), clinopyroxene (augite), olivine (often altered to iddingsite or chlorophaeite), magnetite, and ilmenite in a fine-grained groundmass with minor interstitial glass. The dark gray to black color stems from these ferromagnesian minerals, while vesicular zones may contain secondary zeolites like heulandite or calcite amygdules from later hydrothermal fluids. ▶️ The columns formed through classic columnar jointing during Pleistocene or earlier volcanic episodes, when thick, low-viscosity basaltic lava flows from fissure eruptions ponded and cooled slowly from the top and bottom, inducing tensile stress that propagated uniform fractures perpendicular to cooling surfaces, creating the characteristic polygonal prisms. Prolonged erosion by the powerful glacial Jökla River incised the canyon over millennia. ↘️ The dramatic exposure occurred only after the 2009 completion of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant, which diverted much of the river's flow, dropping water levels by 7-8 meters and revealing the previously submerged formations.

125

Dive Wise | Scuba Adventures @divewisely

8 months ago

Reaching Old Snowy’s ridge felt like walking through a sculpture carved by the Earth itself. These striking, blade-like formations are ancient basalt columns — once molten lava, now frozen mid-flow over thousands of years. 🔥🌋#OldSnowy #Mountain #BasaltColumns #Washington #PNW

divewisely's tweet photo. Reaching Old Snowy’s ridge felt like walking through a sculpture carved by the Earth itself. These striking, blade-like formations are ancient basalt columns — once molten lava, now frozen mid-flow over thousands of years. 🔥🌋#OldSnowy #Mountain #BasaltColumns #Washington #PNW https://t.co/9LnMeGaKss

Ancient Origins

@ancientorigins

9 months ago

#FingalsCave #GeologyWonder #BasaltColumns #ScotlandNature#VolcanicLandscapes #EarthsArchitecture#NaturalCathedrals#HiddenWonders#ScienceDocumentary#DidYouKnow#HistoryFacts#DocumentaryShort Read more: https://t.co/7gSSB9ZH8Z

Geology Bits of Knowledge

@geologyBits

12 months ago

In Geology ✔️ Mineralogy - Botany #SymphonyOfStones #GarniGorge #BasaltColumns #GeologicalWonder 🔁 Symphony of Stones: Armenia’s Geological Masterpiece ▶️ Nestled in the Garni Gorge, the Symphony of Stones in Armenia captivates with its towering basalt columns, resembling a natural organ carved by time. This geological wonder is a testament to Earth’s raw power and beauty. ▶️ Formation Story Approximately 40 million years ago, lava from nearby volcanoes in the Geghama Mountains flowed into the Garni Gorge, carried by the Azat River. As the lava cooled slowly it contracted and crystallized, forming symmetrical hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns that rise up to 50 meters. Over millennia, the Goght and Azat Rivers sculpted the gorge, exposing these striking formations, now known as the “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt Organ” for their resemblance to organ pipes. ▶️ Geological Information The Symphony of Stones is a prime example of columnar jointing, a process where cooling basaltic lava contracts, creating tension cracks that form polygonal patterns. These cracks propagate inward at right angles to the cooling surface, resulting in the characteristic hexagonal and pentagonal columns. The process is analogous to mud-cracks forming in drying sediment, where contraction creates equally spaced cooling centers. The columns some reaching 50 meters in height, are held in place by the surrounding rock’s weight and appear almost man-made due to their extraordinary symmetry. This formation is part of Armenia’s complex topography, shaped by a geological upheaval 25 million years ago that formed the Armenian Plateau. Similar columnar basalt formations are found globally, like the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, but the Symphony of Stones stands out for its scale and setting along the Azat River. ▶️ Interesting Fact The Symphony of Stones is a protected natural monument under Armenian law, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Its proximity to the 1st-century AD Garni Temple, a Greco-Roman structure dedicated to the sun god Mihr, blends geological marvels with cultural heritage, making it a unique destination for travelers. 🔎 Have you visited a geological wonder like the Symphony of Stones, or is it now on your travel list? 🔁 Like & Share your thoughts or favorite natural formations in the comments! 🎞️ The most amazing places on Earth Symphony of Stones https://t.co/kSXYuagWPx

geologyBits's tweet photo. In Geology ✔️ Mineralogy - Botany
#SymphonyOfStones #GarniGorge #BasaltColumns #GeologicalWonder

🔁 Symphony of Stones: Armenia’s Geological Masterpiece

▶️ Nestled in the Garni Gorge, the Symphony of Stones in Armenia captivates with its towering basalt columns, resembling a natural organ carved by time.

This geological wonder is a testament to Earth’s raw power and beauty.

▶️ Formation Story
Approximately 40 million years ago, lava from nearby volcanoes in the Geghama Mountains flowed into the Garni Gorge, carried by the Azat River.

As the lava cooled slowly
it contracted and crystallized, forming symmetrical hexagonal and pentagonal basalt columns that rise up to 50 meters.

Over millennia, the Goght
and Azat Rivers sculpted the gorge, exposing these striking formations, now known as the “Symphony of Stones” or “Basalt Organ” for their resemblance to organ pipes.

▶️ Geological Information
The Symphony of Stones is a prime example of columnar jointing, a process where cooling basaltic lava contracts, creating tension cracks that form polygonal patterns.

These cracks propagate
inward at right angles to the cooling surface, resulting in the characteristic hexagonal and pentagonal columns.

The process is analogous
to mud-cracks forming in drying sediment, where contraction creates equally spaced cooling centers.

The columns
some reaching 50 meters in height, are held in place by the surrounding rock’s weight and appear almost man-made due to their extraordinary symmetry.

This formation
is part of Armenia’s complex topography, shaped by a geological upheaval 25 million years ago that formed the Armenian Plateau.

Similar columnar
basalt formations are found globally, like the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland, but the Symphony of Stones stands out for its scale and setting along the Azat River.

▶️ Interesting Fact
The Symphony of Stones is a protected natural monument under Armenian law, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Its proximity
to the 1st-century AD Garni Temple, a Greco-Roman structure dedicated to the sun god Mihr, blends geological marvels with cultural heritage, making it a unique destination for travelers.

🔎 Have you visited a geological wonder like the Symphony of Stones, or is it now on your travel list?

🔁 Like & Share your thoughts or favorite natural formations in the comments!

🎞️ The most amazing places on Earth Symphony of Stones
https://t.co/kSXYuagWPx

Geology Bits of Knowledge

@geologyBits

about 1 year ago

In Geology ✔️ Mineralogy - Botany #StuðlagilCanyon #Geology #BasaltColumns #NaturePhotography 🔁 Stuðlagil Canyon: Iceland’s Geological Masterpiece Unveiled ▶️ Hidden for centuries beneath a raging glacial river, Stuðlagil Canyon in East Iceland emerged as a breathtaking natural wonder, captivating adventurers and geologists alike with its towering basalt columns and vibrant turquoise waters. Formation Story Stuðlagil Canyon, located in the Jökuldalur Valley, was sculpted over millions of years by the Jökulsá á Dal (Jökla) River, one of Iceland’s longest glacial rivers. Its dramatic reveal came in 2009, following the construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant. The dam diverted much of the river’s flow, reducing water levels by 7–8 meters and exposing a stunning landscape of hexagonal basalt columns previously submerged. This human intervention transformed the muddy, sediment-heavy river into a clear, spring-fed waterway, unveiling the canyon’s geological splendor in a rare case of accidental conservation. Geological Information The canyon’s defining feature is its extensive collection of hexagonal basalt columns, formed through a process known as columnar jointing. Millions of years ago basaltic lava from volcanic activity in Iceland’s geologically active landscape cooled slowly, contracting and cracking into symmetrical, geometric shapes, predominantly hexagons, though pentagonal and octagonal forms also occur. This process is driven by the unique thermal dynamics of basalt, a magnesium- and iron-rich volcanic rock common in Iceland, shaped by the interplay of volcanic eruptions and the region’s cold climate. Stuðlagil stands out for the sheer scale, height, and alignment of its columns, rivaling other Icelandic basalt formations like those at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or Svartifoss waterfall. The Jökla River now fed by clear waters from the Hálslón Reservoir, contrasts vividly with the dark basalt, creating a striking turquoise hue that shifts to gray, brown during spring snowmelt or reservoir overflow. ▶️ Interesting Fact Stuðlagil remained largely unknown until 2016, when Icelandic photographer and travel writer Einar Páll Svavarsson documented and named the canyon, mapping it on Google Maps after securing permission from local landowners. His ethical approach to sharing this discovery set a standard for responsible tourism, earning formal recognition from Iceland’s Minister of Tourism in 2018. 🔎 Have you explored Iceland’s geological wonders, or is Stuðlagil Canyon on your travel list? 🔁 Like & Share your thoughts or favorite natural sites in the comments below! 🎞️ Studlagil Canyon in Iceland https://t.co/a495BikPJK

geologyBits's tweet photo. In Geology ✔️ Mineralogy - Botany
#StuðlagilCanyon #Geology #BasaltColumns #NaturePhotography

🔁 Stuðlagil Canyon: Iceland’s Geological Masterpiece Unveiled

▶️ Hidden for centuries beneath a raging glacial river, Stuðlagil Canyon in East Iceland emerged as a breathtaking natural wonder, captivating adventurers and geologists alike with its towering basalt columns and vibrant turquoise waters.

Formation Story
Stuðlagil Canyon, located in the Jökuldalur Valley, was sculpted over millions of years by the Jökulsá á Dal (Jökla) River, one of Iceland’s longest glacial rivers.

Its dramatic reveal
came in 2009, following the construction of the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant.

The dam diverted
much of the river’s flow, reducing water levels by 7–8 meters and exposing a stunning landscape of hexagonal basalt columns previously submerged.

This human intervention
transformed the muddy, sediment-heavy river into a clear, spring-fed waterway, unveiling the canyon’s geological splendor in a rare case of accidental conservation.

Geological Information
The canyon’s defining feature is its extensive collection of hexagonal basalt columns, formed through a process known as columnar jointing.

Millions of years ago
basaltic lava from volcanic activity in Iceland’s geologically active landscape cooled slowly, contracting and cracking into symmetrical, geometric shapes, predominantly hexagons, though pentagonal and octagonal forms also occur.

This process is driven
by the unique thermal dynamics of basalt, a magnesium- and iron-rich volcanic rock common in Iceland, shaped by the interplay of volcanic eruptions and the region’s cold climate.

Stuðlagil stands out
for the sheer scale, height, and alignment of its columns, rivaling other Icelandic basalt formations like those at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach or Svartifoss waterfall.

The Jökla River
now fed by clear waters from the Hálslón Reservoir, contrasts vividly with the dark basalt, creating a striking turquoise hue that shifts to gray, brown during spring snowmelt or reservoir overflow.

▶️ Interesting Fact
Stuðlagil remained largely unknown until 2016, when Icelandic photographer and travel writer Einar Páll Svavarsson documented and named the canyon, mapping it on Google Maps after securing permission from local landowners.

His ethical approach
to sharing this discovery set a standard for responsible tourism, earning formal recognition from Iceland’s Minister of Tourism in 2018.

🔎 Have you explored Iceland’s geological wonders, or is Stuðlagil Canyon on your travel list?

🔁 Like & Share your thoughts or favorite natural sites in the comments below!

🎞️ Studlagil Canyon in Iceland
https://t.co/a495BikPJK

Bullers Wood Sixth Form @BWSixth

over 1 year ago

Day 2: Just an amazing day of geography- so much to see and learn! Even a bit of history thrown in for Miss Levey… #iceland2024 #geographyrocks #blackbeach #chasingwaterfalls #welovebasalt #basaltcolumns

BWSixth's tweet photo. Day 2: Just an amazing day of geography- so much to see and learn! Even a bit of history thrown in for Miss Levey… #iceland2024 #geographyrocks #blackbeach #chasingwaterfalls #welovebasalt #basaltcolumns https://t.co/svDTaOuwH4

Phil Scowcroft @Planetphil168

over 1 year ago · Bushmills

A fab day rambling across the Giant's Causeway in the north of Northern Ireland. A surreal landscape #giantscauseway #ireland🍀 #northernireland #basaltcolumns

Planetphil168's tweet photo. A fab day rambling across the Giant's Causeway in the north of Northern Ireland. A surreal landscape
#giantscauseway #ireland🍀 #northernireland #basaltcolumns https://t.co/361iHbs3aR

𝕸𝖊𝖍𝖒𝖊𝖙 𝕾𝖆𝖎𝖙 𝕾𝖆𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖆𝖑𝖕 @MSHNLP

almost 2 years ago

Millions of years old rare #BasaltColumns coincidentally discovered during road widening works in Siverek district of Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. #Siverek #Şanlıurfa #Geosite #Geopark #GeoHaritage #GeoTourism https://t.co/PH4hKMvJMt

213

Trisha Elliott @Trisha_the_doc

about 2 years ago

The Giant’s Causeway is always a good place to visit. We had both been before, but it’s such a natural wonder, it intrigues and impresses every time! #VisitIreland #Geology #BasaltColumns #FinnTheGiant

Trisha_the_doc's tweet photo. The Giant’s Causeway is always a good place to visit.

We had both been before, but it’s such a natural wonder, it intrigues and impresses every time!

#VisitIreland
#Geology
#BasaltColumns
#FinnTheGiant https://t.co/Bx85w0vo1A

Jens Notroff @jens2go

over 2 years ago

Yet the supposed "#megalithic structures" are mostly associated with #BasaltColumns - which, however, are a not unusual also naturally occurring phenomenon: If basaltic #lava cools and solidifies with a certain delay, contraction results in polygonal #basalt columns.

jens2go's tweet photo. Yet the supposed "#megalithic structures" are mostly associated with #BasaltColumns - which, however, are a not unusual also naturally occurring phenomenon:

If basaltic #lava cools and solidifies with a certain delay, contraction results in polygonal #basalt columns. https://t.co/qMYIBNbHOP

Geology Scienceᅠᅠᅠ @GeologyyScience

almost 3 years ago

Basalt Columns near Arnarstapi, 12.06.2023. 🇮🇸 @the_coco_cosmos #geology #science #iceland #earth #icelandexplorer #westiceland #westiceland🇮🇸 #icelandgeology #basalt #basaltcolumns

EileanIdhe🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 @EileanIdhe

about 3 years ago

Heading back to Iona.... #IonaAbbey #StRonansBay #scottishisles #innerhebrides #isleofiona #clearwater #basaltcolumns

197

askevia @AskeviaHQ

over 3 years ago

Have you ever heard of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland? It's a breathtaking natural wonder that's worth adding to your travel bucket list. Let's explore more in this thread. #GiantsCauseway #NorthernIreland #NaturalWonder #UNESCOHeritage #BasaltColumns 🧵1/7