Lot's Wife, Volcanic island in Philippine Sea, Japan
The basalt pillar rises 99 meters from the sea, forming a steep rock formation with an area of 0.01 square kilometers at coordinates 29°47′39″N 140°20′31″E.
British merchant sailor John Meares discovered the island in 1788 and named it Lot's Wife after the biblical figure who turned into salt.
The Japanese name Sofu Iwa represents the international connection between Western biblical reference and Eastern geographical nomenclature for this natural formation.
Located 650 kilometers south of Tokyo, the island presents substantial landing difficulties due to its vertical cliffs and strong ocean currents.
The underwater structure extends 2.6 kilometers southeast as a submarine volcanic caldera, with clear waters attracting numerous marine species.
Location: Hachijō Subprefecture
Elevation above the sea: 99 m
Part of: Izu Islands
GPS coordinates: 29.79417,140.34194
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:14
Geological formations develop over millions of years through natural processes including erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity. These rocks and stone structures take various forms – arches, monoliths, spheres, and pillars – shaped by wind, water, and time. They document Earth's geological history and provide insight into the forces that have sculpted our planet. From the red sandstone formations of the Australian outback to the granite arches of Central Europe, these sites demonstrate the diversity of geological processes across different climates and landscapes. The collection includes locations such as Uluru in Australia's Northern Territory, a 1,142-foot (348-meter) sandstone monolith of cultural significance to the Anangu people. In Rogaland, Norway, Kjeragbolten is a boulder wedged between two cliff faces. Pravčická Brána in the Czech Republic's Ústí nad Labem region is Europe's largest natural sandstone arch with a span of 85 feet (26 meters). Other examples include the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand, nearly spherical stones along the beach, and El Capitan in California, a 2,900-foot (900-meter) granite wall. These formations serve both geological research and as destinations for travelers interested in exploring natural landforms.
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