Geological formations: canyons, caves, rock formations

Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon formed in Navajo Sandstone through erosion by flash floods over thousands of years. The formation consists of two main sections located about three-quarters of a mile apart, each displaying distinct geological features. The undulating walls show layering from different periods of sedimentation, while daylight filtering through openings reveals shifting tones across the sandstone surfaces. This site is located on Navajo Nation land and requires access through authorized guides who manage entry to the canyon sections.

Fingal's Cave is a sea cave on the uninhabited island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides. Its walls are composed of hexagonal basalt columns formed around 60 million years ago by slowly cooling lava. The geometric arrangement of these columns gives the cave an architectural appearance that has drawn geologists and visitors since the 18th century. The name derives from the Irish hero Fionn mac Cumhaill. The entrance faces the sea and becomes partly flooded at high tide. The natural acoustics of the cave inspired Felix Mendelssohn to compose his Hebrides Overture following a visit in 1829.

The Giant's Causeway on the north coast of Northern Ireland consists of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity approximately 60 million years ago. The hexagonal columns create a natural pavement stretching from the cliff face into the sea. This formation demonstrates the geological forces that shaped the area during the Paleogene period, when molten basalt rock reached the surface and cooled to form these distinctive patterns.

Granite cliff shaped like a large breaking ocean wave.

Over 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of a similar size spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers.

The travertines are natural thermal pools located in Turkey.

Collection of limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park.

Landscape of honeycomb and mushroom rocks eroded by the sea.

Desert creating a surreal moonscape of bizarre calcite formations.

A wetland located in Liaoning province that is recognized for its unique flora.

Large sheer rock formation in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula.

Tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley and elsewhere in Cappadocia.

Volcanic crater with waterfalls and stunning landscapes surrounded by dark lava pillars.

An area of geologic spires made of mostly sodium carbonate.

This extensive ice cap feeds 47 major glaciers, including the Perito Moreno, and forms the third largest freshwater reserve on Earth. Los Glaciares spans the Patagonian Andes and demonstrates the ongoing power of glacial processes in a region where ice masses continue to advance and calve. The area displays various glacier types, from hanging glaciers to valley glaciers that have carved fjords and lakes. Scientists monitor these ice formations regularly to document the effects of climate change on Patagonian glaciers.

The Tsingy de Bemaraha are sharp limestone formations shaped by centuries of erosion, creating a labyrinth of needle-like rock pinnacles. This site covers 72,000 hectares and holds UNESCO World Heritage status. The rock spires rise up to 150 feet tall and are separated by narrow gorges. Scientists use this geological structure to study karst phenomena and erosion processes in tropical climates. Numerous endemic plant and animal species have adapted to the extreme conditions between the limestone needles.

The Dasht-e Lut spreads across much of southeastern Iran and ranks among the hottest and driest regions on Earth. This salt desert displays landforms shaped by geological processes, including extensive dune fields and rock formations sculpted by wind erosion over millions of years. Summer temperatures reach extreme levels, with ground measurements exceeding 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) documented in the area. The terrain encompasses distinct morphological zones featuring salt crusts, undulating sand structures and eroded rock masses that provide scientific insights into arid climate conditions and surface processes.

Formation of sharp limestone pillars created by calcium carbonate dissolution.

Mountainous park noted for its towering sandstone pillars.

Giant stone pillar standing alone on the beach in Russia.

A saline endorheic alkali lake leaving behind mineral circles in its bed as it dries out.

A circular formation that can be observed in the Sahara desert.

Sea cave in Capri emitting an ethereal blue light through its waters.

Table-top mountain with microclimate and unique endemic species.

Hot spring displaying rainbow-like rings due to bacteria inhabiting different temperature zones.

One of the hottest places on Earth, with colorful sulphur springs, salt flats, and lava lakes.

Salt lake boasting tufa towers of calcium-carbonate spires and knobs.

Large, spherical stones scattered along the coastline.

Largest salt flat in the world, creating a mirror effect after rain.

Emerald waters filled with thousands of limestone karsts.

Rock formation shaped like a troll's tongue overlooking stunning views.

This cave lies 1,000 feet (300 meters) beneath the surface at the Naica Mine and contains some of the largest natural crystal formations on Earth. The Cave of Crystals holds selenite crystals that reach lengths of up to 36 feet (11 meters) and weigh several tons. Extreme heat and humidity inside the cave, which reaches temperatures around 122°F (50°C), limits unprotected visits to just minutes. These crystals grew over approximately 500,000 years under constant geological conditions.