Geologischer Garten Bochum, Geopark and natural monument in Wiemelhausen, Bochum, Germany.
The Geological Garden in Bochum is a geopark displaying rock formations from multiple geological periods across about two hectares, including Carboniferous coal layers and Cretaceous marine deposits. The exposed rock faces show how different stone layers stacked on top of each other over millions of years.
The site operated as Friederika mine for coal and iron ore extraction from 1750 to 1907, then functioned as a brickyard until 1959. The exposed rock walls visible today were uncovered during these mining operations.
The garden features modern sculptures, ancient Ginkgo trees, and giant sequoias, representing both geological and botanical evolution through time.
The garden is freely accessible with informative panels at the rock walls explaining how the stone layers formed over time. Walking through allows you to see geological structures directly and understand how the ground beneath the region developed.
The rock walls display a clear boundary between folded coal-bearing layers and overlying marine deposits, documenting 300 million years of Earth's history. This visible boundary line is a rare example of the dramatic shifts the planet has experienced across geological time.
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