6 Amazing Basalt Formations In The World

Basalt is a common volcanic rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of our planet. Jointed basalt columns, as the most famous and most beautiful basalt formations, exists on many places on earth. These unusual columns are predominantly hexagonal in cross-section, but basalt polygons with three to twelve or more sides can be observed.

# Litlanesfoss, Iceland

Litlanesfoss is a waterfall located in East Iceland about 30 km (19 mi) from Egilstaddir. It is about halfway up the canyon to Hengifoss (another waterfall) and is surrounded by chutes and columns of basalt extending in strange directions. The river continues into Lagarfljot (lake) a couple of kilometers below. This place is definitely unforgettable sight from Iceland.

# Sea Cave on the Akun Island, Alaska, USA

This wonderful cave is located on the Akun Island, one of the Fox Islands subgroup of the Aleutian Islands in southwestern Alaska, USA. Many of the islands of the Aleutians are made up of columnar basalt. Akun Island is also mostly composed of basalt and has several sea caves like this one.

# Ghenh Da Dia, Vietnam

With natural stones, strangely structured rocks, columns or obliques of frozen mineral flows, Ghenh Da Dia (Rapids of Stone Plates) is considered as a masterpiece of stone gifted by the nature. Ghenh Da Dia is strangely structured rocks include large upright stones equally arranged in a star pattern. Being a riddle of nature, like a giant jigsaw, the rapids is irritatingly made of the same shaped pieces, and forms a solidified structure that has proved more than just a curiosity for thousands.

# Takachiho Gorge, Japan

The Takachiho Gorge is a V-shaped gorge, created by the Gokase-gawa River, which eroded the Aso lava. Red-tinted precipitous cliffs rising up on both sides of the gorge extend for a long distance. Manai-no-taki Falls, 17 meters (56 ft) high, is a popular highlight because of the clouds of spray that rise up from the falling water.

# Los Organos, Canary Islands, Spain

The beautifully formed rock formations Los Organos, on the northern coast of La Gomera, are considered to be one of the most beautiful basalt formations on the Canary Islands. The slender cliffs rise up out of the sea to a height of 800 metres (2,600 ft) and a width of 200m (650 ft). The pillars, which look very similar to organ pipes, are the remains of vast lava masses of a once powerful volcano. Over time, erosion exposed the rocks, forming them to a natural work of art.

# Jusangjeolli Cliffs, South Korea

The Jusangjeolli cliff is a spectacular volcanic rock formation at the southern coast of Jeju Island, South Korea. With almost perfect hexagonal columns, referred to by the locals as ‘Jisatgae Rocks,’ jutting 20 meters (66 ft) into the sky, the cliffs run for 2 km (1.25 mi) along the Daepo coast near the Jungmun tourist complex.