Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

 

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

Tonight, I am posting information on of the most spectacular geological features in the British Isles, namely the Giant’s Causeway on the north coast of Northern Ireland. This 3,800 km2 site is Europe’s most extensive lava field and has achieved dual status of World Heritage Site ( UNESCO) and National Nature Reserve ( N.I. Government).

The feature is a function of volcanic activity some 60 million years ago when the Atlantic Ocean was being formed. It is believed there were three phases of basaltic lava flows separated by two periods of limited activity during which two red coloured strata were formed as a result of weathering and soil accumulation.

The thousands of polygonal columns were formed as successive layers of lava cooled under pressure. The columns vary between 15-20 inches (38-51 cm) in diameter and up to 82 feet ( 25m) in height. The columns in the cliffs measure up to 330 feet (100m) in height.

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland


Here is a video clip of the site.

 

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