Natural Wonders of the World: Unique Rock Formations
By Vandya Rai
August 22, 2022
Yana Rock
Located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, the two massive rocks are known as Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. They are composed of solid black, crystalline karst limestone.
Karnataka, India
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The Eye of the Sahara
Formally known as Richat Structure, can only be seen from space. It is a 30-mile dome-shaped feature in the desert formed by uplifted rock that eroded over time.
Adrar Plateau, Mauritania
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Skull Rock
A strange formation located in the desert. Rain eroded its surface over the years, trapping water long enough to form little pits for “eye sockets”.
Joshua Tree, Southern California
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Turnip Rock
Standing in shallow waters, this rock looks like an upside-down mountain. It was formed over time as waves eroded at the soft limestone until the bottom grew thinner.
Lake Huron, Michigan
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The Giant’s Causeway
Hexagonal stepping stones that disappear into the sea. They are made up of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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Split Apple Rock
Has existed since the Ice Age. The round rock has a sharp split down its middle. The split in the granite was caused due to the expansion and contraction in water
South Island, New Zealand
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Shilin Stone Forest
Tall limestone formations that arise from the ground, like petrified trees. They cover almost 300 km of land and date back to 270 million years ago.
Kunming, China
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White Desert
Oddly shaped chalk formations that resemble mushrooms, camels, and marshmallows. Their shape is influenced by the elements carving away at the soft chalk material.
Farafra Depression, Egypt
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Chocolate Hills
Unusually symmetrical limestone formations that range from 30-50 metres high, with the largest at 120 metres. There are 1,268 of these mounds, all covered in grass. They were formed due to the uplift of coral deposits and erosion by rainwater.
Bohol, Philippines
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Wave Rock
Looks just like a tall, crashing ocean wave! It is caused due to the periodic weathering of granite and dates back to 2.63 billion years ago.
Hyden, Western Australia
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Elephant Rock
Was submerged under the sea, millions of years ago! It is shaped like a gigantic elephant, with a prominent trunk. The Aztec Sandstone was formed by shifting sand dunes.
Valley of Fire, Nevada
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