Several natural monuments: from the rainbow mountains of China to the basalt guardians of Kamchatka

CrimeaPRESS reports:

Millions of years of geological processes have created unique natural formations on our planet. Every rock, every cliff keeps the chronicle of ancient eras, imprinted in layers of rocks and minerals. Tectonic forces, erosion and climate change have shaped the appearance of these natural monuments for centuries. Modern geology makes it possible to decipher this rock record, revealing the secrets of the formation of the earth’s crust.

Rainbow Mountains Zhangye Danxia

The geological phenomenon in China’s Gansu province is the result of deposits of red sandstone and other minerals that took over 24 million years to form. The striped slopes display an amazing variety of shades — from bright red to gold and emerald. The reason for this multicolored color lies in the special chemical composition of rocks and the oxidation processes of minerals.

Each layer of these mountains tells a different story of ancient climate conditions. The red stripes were formed during an arid climate from sandstone rich in iron oxide. The greenish tints are due to deposits of chlorite and copper, while the yellow tints are the result of the accumulation of sulfur and calcium. The formation process took place in the conditions of an ancient lake basin, where layers of sedimentary rocks accumulated gradually, creating a unique layered structure.

The climatic features of the region continue to influence the appearance of the mountains. Seasonal rains and wind erosion gradually change the topography, creating new forms and exposing deep layers of rock. Local authorities have taken serious measures to protect this natural monument, limiting tourist access to the most vulnerable areas.

Three Brothers in Kamchatka

In the Avacha Bay there are three majestic kekura rocks, formed as a result of centuries-old sea erosion. These basalt outcrops reach a height of 80 meters above sea level. Since ancient times, local Itelmens considered these rocks as sacred guardians of the coast, creating many legends about their origin.

The geological structure of the rocks is of particular scientific interest. The basaltic rocks that formed the remnants date back to a period of active volcanism in the region. The rock’s internal structure contains a variety of minerals, including olivine and pyroxenes, indicating a complex composition of ancient magma. Sea water, wind and temperature changes continue to shape the appearance of the rocks, creating characteristic grooves and cracks.

Three Brothers Rocks in Kamchatka serve as important landmarks for maritime navigation and play a significant role in the local ecosystem. Rare species of seabirds nest on the ledges, including slaty gulls and puffin gulls. The coastal waters around the rocks are rich in marine life due to the special conditions created by underwater currents.

Stone forest of Madagascar

Tsingy de Bemaraha is a limestone plateau that has been eroded into a labyrinth of sharp rock needles. The formation of this landscape began about 200 million years ago. Rainwater, penetrating into the cracks of the limestone, gradually dissolved the rock, creating a bizarre karst-type relief.

The uniqueness of this area lies not only in the geological structure, but also in the special ecosystem that has formed here. Between the sharp limestone peaks there are microclimatic zones where endemic flora has developed. Deep crevices retain moisture, allowing rare species of plants and animals to survive.

Research shows that the process of karst formation continues today. Every year, acid rain dissolves about a millimeter of limestone rock, slowly changing the landscape. The particular chemical composition of local limestone determines the rate and nature of this erosion.

Giant pillars of Trolltunga

The Norwegian «Troll’s Tongue» is a horizontal outcrop of crystalline rock overhanging the fjord at an altitude of 700 meters. The formation of this geological miracle began during the last ice age. A huge glacier, moving slowly, carved a deep valley in the rock, leaving a protruding stone tongue.

The structure of the Trolltunga rock consists predominantly of gneiss, a metamorphic rock formed under the influence of high pressure and temperature. Geologists have discovered traces of ancient minerals in the stone, which are more than 1 billion years old. The special crystalline structure of gneiss provides the unusual strength of the ledge.

Modern research using seismic sensors shows that the rock remains stable despite increasing tourist pressure. However, natural weathering processes continue to affect the rock, slowly changing its structure.

Marble Canyon Caves

The Karelian natural monument was formed as a result of marble mining, which exposed ancient rocks more than 2 billion years old. The canyon walls show a complex layered structure of marble deposits from various eras, allowing us to trace the history of the geological processes of the region.

The canyon marble has a unique mineral composition, including rare forms of calcite and dolomite. The variety of shades of stone — from snow-white to dark gray — is due to the presence of various impurities and the conditions of formation of the rock. In some areas you can find ancient fossils dating back to the Proterozoic era.

The interaction of marble rocks with water created a system of underground cavities and grottoes in the canyon. These caves are of particular interest to speleologists as they contain unique mineral formations and demonstrate various stages of the karst process.

Crimea news | CrimeaPRESS: latest news and main events