Nigel's Photo Blog

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) i...

 Tonight, I am reporting on the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland .   This feature lies at the foot of basalt cliffs along the sea cost on the edge of the Antrim plateau. It is comprised of about 40,000 massive black basalt columns which protrude into the sea. The landscape was caused by volcanic activity during the Tertiary period of around 50-60 million years ago.More detailed information can be found here . This is a World Heritage site owned by the National Trust, a heritage organisation. Check website for access details. Location is about 60 miles north of Belfast, near Bushmills.   Here is a video clip.

Columns at 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. Summary information as follows: Extends to  3,800 km2 site and ranks as Europe’s most extensive lava field. Has achieved dual status of World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and National Nature Reserve (N.I. Government). Location is about sixty-two miles NNW of Belfast. One of a number of popular visitor sites on Ireland’s north coast which collectively form part of the Causeway Coast tourist route. 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 for...