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Located in Black Rock, about 19 km from Melbourne, Red Bluff is a high (over 25 m), active cliff cut in poorly consolidated clayey sands, with harder sandstone beds forming a series of irregular ledges and benches at the base. The greater part of the cliff is an exposure of the Red Bluff Sand, this site being the type locality for that geological formation. At the cliff base, the Red Bluff Sand rests disconformably on the hard, dark brown to red ferruginous sediments of the Black Rock Sandstone, about 3 m of Black Rock Sandstone being exposed here above low water mark. These two formations comprise the Brighton Group, the most widespread outcropping Tertiary sedimentary sequence in the Melbourne area. The lowest bed of the Red Bluff Sand is a dark carbonaceous band overlain by a thin, hard, gritty iron cemented bed. Above this, the lower beds of the Red Bluff Sand are yellow clayey sands passing into cross-bedded gravelly horizons which become sandy and brown to red in the upper sections of the cliff. Although not abundant, the fossil pollen and leaf content of clay in the Red Bluff Sand indicates the formation is of non-marine origin and of Middle to Late Pliocene age.
The headland at Red Bluff coincides with a rise in the level of the Black Rock Sandstone, (either a minor anticline or a depositional undulation in the formation). This rise brings the more resistant ferruginous rock up to sea level and forms the promontory underpinning the cliff. To the south, the cliff declines to be a scrubby bluff behind Half Moon Bay where the Black Rock Sandstone declines below sea level. The face of Red Bluff is incised by narrow, tubular gullies, with remnant pinnacles and buttresses forming a miniature but spectacular ‘badlands terrain’. (Sourced from Victorian Resources Online)
Some pointed formations on the left resemble those Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia of central Turkey, albeit at a smaller scale.
Hanging Rock (also known as Mount Diogenes, Dryden's Rock, and to some of its traditional owners as Ngannelong) is a distinctive geological formation in central Victoria, Australia. A former volcano, it lies 718m above sea level (105m above plain level) on the plain between the two small townships of Newham and Hesket, approximately 70 km north-west of Melbourne and a few kilometres north of Mount Macedon.
Hanging Rock is a mamelon, created 6.25 million years ago by stiff magma pouring from a vent and congealing in place. Often thought to be a volcanic plug, it is not. Two other mamelons exist nearby, created in the same period: Camels Hump, to the south on Mount Macedon and, to the east, Crozier's Rocks. All three mamelons are composed of soda trachyte. As Hanging Rock's magma cooled and contracted it split into rough columns. These weathered over time into the many pinnacles that can be seen today.
The Tidal River is a perennial river of the West Gippsland catchment, located in the Wilsons Promontory region of the Australian state of Victoria.
The colour of the Tidal River ranges from a deep-yellow (in shallower areas) to a dark-purple and almost black (in its deeper depths). This discolouration is due to the large number of tea trees present in the area. The trees dye the river, making it appear like black tea (hence the name 'tea tree'). Even though the water is very clean and clear, it is impossible to see to the bottom in the deep areas.
This was taken near the footbridge along the Loo-Errn Track.
My first trip down onto Finnich Gorge. Once you have found your way down the scary, hair-raising route in you are met by the most amazing sight in this sandstone gorge. Lots of greenery: ferns, mosses and lichens. The beautiful red tinge to the water, numerous falls, deep pools (take my word for that!), the coolness (especially on a hot day like yesterday). A breathtaking location. And so much more of it to see. Three hours didn't do it justice.
Right above me was a ledge known as the Devil's Pulpit. As you have probably guessed witches were thrown from here into the gorge. If you survived you were a witch (and dealt with appropriately) and if you died you were innocent!!
It took me 5 visits to find the right sunlight angle to showcase the face of the rosette.
The Rosette Rock is a radial array of basalt columns. It can be seen about 500 metres (1,600 ft) upstream (Jacksons Creek) of the Organ Pipes and is an overhanging rock on the northern bank of the stream. It is also an outcrop of basalt but with a radial array of columns akin to the spokes of a giant wheel. Its formation is attributed to the cooling of "a pocket of lava, probably in a spherical cave formed from an earlier lava flow".
This was taken on a Summer's morning. The radial array was sidelit and many shadows were cast upon it from the foliage of a tall gum tree close to it. A few attempts to photograph this formation had not been successful during previous autumn and winter visits.
The Organ Pipes National Park, abbreviated as OPNP, is a national park located in the Central region of Victoria, Australia. The 121-hectare (300-acre) protected area was established with the focus on conservation of the native flora and fauna, and preservation of the geological features in the Jacksons Creek, a part of the Maribyrnong valley, north-west of Melbourne. It is situated in a deep gorge in the grassy, basalt Keilor plains.
This was taken on a highway travelling in a coach at high speed, on our way to Zion National Park. Eastern Entrance was about an hour away. The brownish-red cliff face stood out beautifully against a cloudy blue sky. The red colour is due to the rich iron oxide content in the soil. In other words, the cliff is "rusting".
Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth. The community lies on the edge of the Paparoa National Park. The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist destination at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes during high tides. Together with the 'pancake'-layering of the limestone, these form the main attraction of the area.
This was taken when it was very dark.
This landscape belongs to the sandstone peak forest landform in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China. Crustal uplift changed the sedimentary rock stratum into a hilly and mountainous area, then the sandstone was carved by exogenic processes like weathering and erosion into rugged rock pillars.
O Penedo do Guincho, um símbolo da Praia de Santa Cruz, em Torres Vedras, é uma imponente formação rochosa sedimentar com cerca de 30 metros de altura. Esculpido pela erosão marinha ao longo de milhões de anos nas falésias calcárias da região, o penedo é composto por arenitos grosseiros e argilitos do Jurássico Superior, datados de há 150 milhões de anos. As suas rochas alaranjadas revelam fragmentos de granitos rosados, outrora transportados por um antigo canhão submarino. Na base, uma fenda em arco permite a passagem da água do mar, sendo possível atravessá-la a pé durante a maré baixa. Parte integrante da paisagem e um ponto de interesse turístico e geológico na Região Oeste, o penedo, com as suas camadas estratificadas e vegetação rupícola adaptada ao ambiente salino, continua a ser moldado pela ação constante das ondas.
Penedo do Guincho, a symbol of Santa Cruz Beach in Torres Vedras, is an imposing sedimentary rock formation about 30 meters high. Sculpted by marine erosion over millions of years in the region's limestone cliffs, the rock is made up of coarse sandstones and claystones from the Upper Jurassic, dating back 150 million years. Its orange rocks reveal fragments of pink granite, once transported by an ancient submarine cannon. At the base, an arched fissure allows seawater to pass through and can be crossed on foot at low tide. An integral part of the landscape and a point of tourist and geological interest in the Western Region, the crag, with its stratified layers and rocky vegetation adapted to the saline environment, continues to be shaped by the constant action of the waves.
This was taken while travelling on board a moving coach on the way to see the hot springs and geysers.
This image is included in a gallery "LUGARES INCREIBLES volumen 2" curated by BYKTOR-f.d.
This huge boulder (15m x 7m) is believed to have come from nowhere, sitting precariously on a solid cliff, overlooking the myriad of mountains and peaks below.
Huangshan 黄山 (Yellow Mountain) is a jagged range of more than 70 knifelike peaks in eastern China’s Anhui province. The region's low-hanging clouds, distinctively shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees have been subjects of numerous classical paintings and poems. Cable cars provide access to several peaks, and steep paved trails with thousands of stone steps snake past many of the range's famous viewpoints. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of China's major tourist destinations.
飛來石的傳說: 飛來石位於黃山光明頂的西北方，高約15米，寬7米，如同從天而降，兀立於峰頂，是黃山非常著名的一處奇景。
關於飛來石的來歷，也有一段有趣的故事。相傳，宋代有個叫單福的石匠，一生造成了不少石橋，也想在自己家鄉門口的江山建造一座，只可惜缺少幫手。他膝下只有一女名叫小姣，長得聰明美麗。小姣知道父親的心思，便自告奮勇要求幫助父親建造石橋。但那深山採石，百里運石的苦和累，小女子怎麼受得了，所以單福就是不答應。小姣跪在地上苦苦哀求，單福沒奈何，才含淚點頭。
單福還叫來三個徒弟幫忙，於是不久就開工了。由於開山運石的苦和累實在難受，大徒弟和二徒弟先後悄悄地溜了。單福和女兒，三徒弟為修橋鐵了心，繼續風裏雨裏苦幹著。但好幾年過去了，運到江邊的石頭只有一小堆，這樣累死苦死，橋也建不起來。
小姣一咬牙，請人寫了“捐身修橋”四個大字，插了個草標，坐到江邊石堆旁。一連三天，來看的人無數，但望望滔滔的江水，就都走了。這天，忽然來了個瘸子，身背一把扇子，摘了草標，問小姣願願意跟他走，小姣回答說：“什麼時候把大山裏的開採的石頭全運到江邊，就什麼時候跟你走。”
這瘸子原來是八仙中的鐵拐李。他擠出人群，騰雲駕霧，很快來到百裏外的大山，從背上拿下扇子，對著單福和三徒弟開出的石頭就扇。石頭竟都飛了起來，又紛紛都落在江邊。單福和三徒弟也被從山上扇到造橋工地。鐵拐李還怕不夠，又對身下立著的一塊巨石扇了三扇子，他就站在那巨石上飛到江邊。只見底下盡人，未敢讓巨石落下。又聽單福大聲說：“石頭夠了”他便駕起雲頭，飄游起來，游到黃山，見黃山風景秀麗，便將石頭落下。從此，這飛來石就給黃山增添了絕妙的一景。
黃山位於中國安徽省南部黃山市境內。黃山古稱黟山，南北長約40千米，東西寬約30千米。黃山素以「奇松、怪石、雲海、溫泉」四絕聞名天下。那72峰、24溪、2湖、3瀑，峰峰奇特，溪溪曲折、極盡天下山水之美，更聚名山大川之勝。黃山最高峰是蓮花峰，海拔1860米 ，位 於黃山中部、站在玉屏樓向前望去, 猶如一朵含苞初放的蓮花, 峻峭高聳, 仰天怒放。晴天從蓮花峰頂可遙見江西的廬山和似帶的長江。黃山三大主峰之一的天都峰，與蓮花峰爭雄對峙。它位於黃山東南部，人稱無上之都會, 海拔1829米、從玉屏樓至天都峰約15千米，其間有黃山最險峻的峰嶺，峰上的石樓，坡度都在70度以上；尤以中途的鯽魚背最險。
It is in Western Utah, USA. Entering Zion National Park from the east entrance immediately reveals a colourful display of orange, brown and white slick rock that includes one of the parks landmarks, Checkerboard Mesa. The unusual crack pattern in the sandstone hills resemble a grid much like you would see on a checkerboard. The majestic criss-crossed mountain appears as a massive hill towering 900 feet above the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway and resembles a giant, extended chess or checkerboard. The vertical and horizontal fissures are more evident on the north side of the mesa, where most of the photographs of the mountain are taken. The left to right deep scratches are due to a north to south wind direction while the vertical cracks are a result of weathering, a cycle of freezing and thawing. (sourced from internet)
This is a closer look than the earlier posting.
Long exposure, well past sunset, at the tatami-ishi, at the shallow waters of Ojima island next to Kumejima, Okinawa, Japan. The geological feature consists of about a thousand pentagonal and hexagonal rocks 1-1.5m in diameter, formed during the Miocene period by the columnar jointing of andesitic lava as it cooled and contracted. The name tatami-ishi (tatami stones) is derived from the resemblance to a room of close-fitted tatami mats.
This image is included in a gallery "landscape vol 7" curated by Jean-paul Vancoppenolle.
This close-up image of the 3 Sisters was taken on a warm summer evening, from Echo Point. Here the rock faces reflect different hues of the warm setting sun, in contrast to the dark blue valley beyond and below.
The Three Sisters is the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular landmark. Located at Echo Point Katoomba, around 2.5 kilometres from the Great Western Highway, this iconic visitor attraction is experienced by millions of people each year.
The Three Sisters is essentially an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone. The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. The Three Sisters is also floodlit until around 11pm each evening looking simply spectacular set against the black background of the night sky.Each of the Three Sisters stand at 922, 918 & 906 metres tall, respectively. They are actually over 3000 feet above sea level! The Wall of Kings is in the far left while Mount Solitary is just not far beyond to the right.
The Legend is that " The Aboriginal dream-time legend has it that three sisters, 'Meehni', 'Wimlah' and Gunnedoo' lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe. These beautiful young ladies had fallen in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, yet tribal law forbade them to marry. The brothers were not happy to accept this law and so decided to use force to capture the three sisters causing a major tribal battle. As the lives of the three sisters were seriously in danger, a witch doctor from the Katoomba tribe took it upon himself to turn the three sisters into stone to protect them from any harm. While he had intended to reverse the spell when the battle was over, the witch doctor himself was killed. As only he could reverse the spell to return the ladies to their former beauty, the sisters remain in their magnificent rock formation as a reminder of this battle for generations to come.
(Sourced from BluemountainsAustralia.com.au)
The Fifeshire / Arrow Rock is an iconic landmark of Nelson waterfront off State Highway 6, South Island, Newzealand. The rock is illuminated after dark and before sunrise.
Nelson is a city on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay, and is the economic and cultural centre of the Nelson Region. Nelson is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand, It was established in 1841 and was proclaimed a city by royal charter in 1858.
This was taken at dawn. Arrow Rock was lit by flood light from the shore.
This image is included in a gallery "Blue" curated by Andy Montgomery.
Average depth : 22 to 30 m (72 to 98 ft)
Max. depth : 30 m (98 ft)
Inferno Crater Lake is a large hot spring located in the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley on the North Island of New Zealand, and the largest geyser-like feature in the world. The actual geyser is not visible, as it plays underwater at the bottom of the lake, however, fumaroles are visible on the lake's shore and the rock wall behind it.
The water temperature in the lake ranges from 35 to 80 °C (95 to 176 °F), with acidity up to pH 2.2, and lake levels that vary up to 12 metres (39 ft), following a complicated 38-day cycle that includes an overflow stage. White silica deposits grow up to the overflow level, and the lake's colour is a result of finely divided silica suspended in the water. At low water levels the lake can be a dull grey colour, changing to an intensely sky blue colour at higher lake levels, in particular after the overflow stage.
Inferno Crater was blasted out of the side of the locally prominent Mt Haszard as part of the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, which opened several craters along a 17 kilometres (11 mi) rift stretching southwest from Mount Tarawera to the nearby Southern Crater. Inferno Crater's trumpet-shaped lake bed is up to 30 metres (98 ft) deep when the lake is full, which is also when it reaches its highest temperature.
Since 1901 the lake occupying Inferno Crater has exhibited water-level variations closely associated with the Waimangu Geyser cycle. Inferno Crater Lake and its neighbouring Frying Pan Lake form a unique relationship and follow an interconnected rhythmic cycle of hydrology variations repeating itself over the course of roughly 38 days. When the water level and temperature of Inferno Crater Lake increase, the water level and outflow of Frying Pan Lake decrease. Comparable cyclic activity is unknown in other hydrothermal systems in the world.
The system has been the subject of studies since monitoring equipment was installed in the area in 1970. Four distinct phases can be recognised in its cycle: First, the lake level rises steadily from its lowest level by a total of almost 5 metres (16 ft) over the course of 8 days, and then it commences oscillating. The average lake level keeps rising over the course of the oscillations of the second phase until it reaches overflow level. At that point, the lake's volume has increased by 45,800 cubic metres (1,620,000 cu ft). Next, the lake overflows for about 51 hours at a rate of almost 80 liter per second, discharging on average 140,000 cubic metres (4,900,000 cu ft) of over 70 °C (158 °F) hot water down a temporary overflow stream into Waimangu Stream in the valley below. The last stage sees the lake recede to its low level over the last 13 days of the cycle, its water temperature also falling to the low point. During that stage, around 30 million liters of water drain back under Mt Haszard.
Inferno Crater Lake is accessible via a side track with 50 steps off the main Waimangu walking track. It is one of three lakes filling craters created in the vicinity during the 1886 event. (Wikipedia)
The colourful phenomenon was created by early gold-mining activities: sluicing work in the 1880s revealed the 'pink' hills near the historic town of Heathcote.
The Pink Cliffs Reserve is about 140km from Melbourne CBD. It was originally man made but is now considered one of Victoria's natural wonders. The multi-coloured soft granite exposed as a moonscape surface in the central portion of the reserve is the best known feature hence its name, Pink Cliffs.
These big marble-shaped boulders are located at the entrance to the Reserve. Lichen growth on them adds further interesting texture. More images of the reserve will follow.
This image is included in a gallery "Landscapes" curated by Sal Polizzotti.
Hanging Rock contains numerous distinctive rock formations, including the "Hanging Rock" itself (a boulder suspended between other boulders, under which is the main entrance path), the Colonnade, the Eagle and the UFO. The highest point on Hanging Rock is 718 metres above sea level and 105 metres above the plain below.
Hanging Rock (also known as Mount Diogenes, Dryden's Rock, and to some of its traditional owners as Ngannelong) is a distinctive geological formation in central Victoria, Australia. A former volcano, it lies 718m above sea level (105m above plain level) on the plain between the two small townships of Newham and Hesket, approximately 70 km north-west of Melbourne and a few kilometres north of Mount Macedon.
Hanging Rock is a mamelon, created 6.25 million years ago by stiff magma pouring from a vent and congealing in place. Often thought to be a volcanic plug, it is not. Two other mamelons exist nearby, created in the same period: Camels Hump, to the south on Mount Macedon and, to the east, Crozier's Rocks. All three mamelons are composed of soda trachyte. As Hanging Rock's magma cooled and contracted it split into rough columns. These weathered over time into the many pinnacles that can be seen today.
This taken from across a grass paddock on fine winter morning. A mob of kangaroos were out there on the lawn enjoying morning sun. They always keep an watchful eye on people passing by.
This image is included in a gallery "Photo Gallery" curated by Ryan Walker.
Lake Louise, also called Lake of the Little Fishes by the Stoney Nakota First Nations people, is a glacial lake within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. The village of Lake Louise is on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), which is 57 knots (106 km/h; 66 mph) west of Banff, Alberta. The emerald color of the water comes from rock flour carried into the lake by melt-water from the glaciers that overlook the lake. The lake has a surface of 0.8 km2 (0.31 sq mi) and is drained through the 3 km long Louise Creek into the Bow River. Moraine Lake and Lake Agnes are also accessible from Lake Louise.
Lake Louise was originally named "Emerald Lake". In 1884 the name was changed, naming it after the daughter of Queen Victoria, Princess Louise Caroline Alberta. (Wikipedia)
This was taken on a fine summer morning. A thin mist was still lingering above the lake surface. The Big Beehive is in the middle right. Victoria Glacier is in the middle left, and Mt Fairview is on the left.
This image is included in a gallery:- 1) "colour" by Sylvia Okkerse.
Wa-io-tapu (Māori for "sacred waters") is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is 27 kilometres south of Rotorua. Due to dramatic geothermal conditions beneath the earth, the area has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, Primrose Terrace and boiling mud pools. These can mostly be viewed through access by foot, and in addition to a paid and curated experience, naturally forming hot springs appear around the area. The geothermal area covers 18 square kilometres. Prior to European occupation the area was the homeland of the Ngati Whaoa tribe who descended from those on the Arawa waka.
Covering some 18 sq.km, with the volcanic dome of Mungakakaramea (Rainbow Mountain) at its northern boundary, the area is literally covered with collapsed craters, cold and boiling pools of mud, water and streaming fumaroles. The general public sees only a very small portion. The area is associated with volcanic activity dating back about 160,000 years and is located right on the edge of the largest volcanic caldera (depression) within the active Taupo Volcanic Zone.
The wide range of colours in the area are all natural and are due to different mineral elements, the predominant colours being :- Green (colloidal sulphur / ferrous salts), Orange (Antimony), Purple (Manganese oxide), White (Silica), Yellow-primrose (Sulphur), Red-brown (Iron oxide) and Black (Sulphur and carbon). (Sourced from offical wedsite)
Loch Lomond looking west from Conic Hill on the West Highland Way above Balmaha. The string of islands on the left and the alignment of Conic Hill indicate the line of the Highland Boundary Fault the geological feature which separates the central lowlands from the highlands of Scotland. This fault runs from Stonehaven on the east coast all the way across Scotland until it is lost somewhere west of Helensburgh. It is still active and the Crieff/ Comrie section is the most seismically active area in Britain although most tremors are very low on the Richter Scale. On the right far horizon is Ben Lomond the most southerly Munro (mountain over 3000 feet) in Scotland and after Ben Nevis (the highest one in both Scotland & the UK) the most climbed.
Hanging Rock (also known as Mount Diogenes, Dryden's Rock, and to some of its traditional owners as Ngannelong) is a distinctive geological formation in central Victoria, Australia. A former volcano, it lies 718m above sea level (105m above plain level) on the plain between the two small townships of Newham and Hesket, approximately 70 km north-west of Melbourne and a few kilometres north of Mount Macedon. In the middle of the 19th century, the traditional occupants of the place – tribes of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Woi Wurrung and Taungurung – were forced from it. They had been its occupants for, potentially, thousands of years and, colonisation notwithstanding, have continued to maintain cultural and spiritual connections with the place.
Hanging Rock is a mamelon, created 6.25 million years ago by stiff magma pouring from a vent and congealing in place. Hanging Rock contains numerous distinctive rock formations, including the "Hanging Rock" itself (a boulder suspended between other boulders, under which is the main entrance path), the Colonnade, the Eagle and the UFO. The highest point on Hanging Rock is 718 metres above sea level and 105 metres above the plain below.
Queen Mary's Profile is found at the base of the climb. Here it is silhouetted near the top centre of the image. Ironically the rock face below it is colourful and more attractive. Morgan's Blood Waterfall is dripping down across on the left of the rock face.
My first trip down onto Finnich Gorge. Once you have found your way down the scary, hair-raising route in you are met by the most amazing sight in this sandstone gorge. Lots of greenery: ferns, mosses and lichens. The beautiful red tinge to the water, numerous falls, deep pools (take my word for that!), the coolness (especially on a hot day like yesterday). A breathtaking location. And so much more of it to see. Three hours didn't do it justice.
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. The city contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.
The enormous natural arch on the West coast of the Island of Gozo, I was desperate to come here and shoot this before it vanishes, only a few years left with erosion then it will become a sea stack or pinnacle. I had to come back for a second day to get the shots I wanted as the wind / waves were that fierce on the first attempt it took me 4 hours to get about 3 decent shots with sea spray / and bad camera shake even on a tripod with me shielding it, made for some good big waves pics, composition again v limited due to the weather conditions. the second attempt was totally different, bit of a breeze and no waves, like a totally different place.. But, I only had 25 mins to get some shots, Annoyingly the last bus / ferry i could catch to get back to Malta was 5 mins before sunset, so I missed the 30 minutes afterwards, sea spray ruined many of the shots and was extremely frustrating, but was still worth it to grab the shots I got. I'll add more of these soon.
view my most interesting shots on Flickriver here: www.flickriver.com/photos/pete37038/popular-interesting/
The Three Sisters is the Blue Mountains’ most spectacular landmark. Located at Echo Point Katoomba, around 2.5 kilometres from the Great Western Highway, this iconic visitor attraction is experienced by millions of people each year.
The Three Sisters is essentially an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone.The character of the Three Sisters changes throughout the day and throughout the seasons as the sunlight brings out the magnificent colours. The Three Sisters is also floodlit until around 11pm each evening looking simply spectacular set against the black background of the night sky.Each of the Three Sisters stand at 922, 918 & 906 metres tall, respectively. They are actually over 3000 feet above sea level! The Wall of Kings is in the far left while Mount Solitary is just not far beyond to the right. The Legend is that " The Aboriginal dream-time legend has it that three sisters, 'Meehni', 'Wimlah' and 'Gunnedoo' lived in the Jamison Valley as members of the Katoomba tribe.These beautiful young ladies had fallen in love with three brothers from the Nepean tribe, yet tribal law forbade them to marry.The brothers were not happy to accept this law and so decided to use force to capture the three sisters causing a major tribal battle. As the lives of the three sisters were seriously in danger, a witchdoctor from the Katoomba tribe took it upon himself to turn the three sisters into stone to protect them from any harm. While he had intended to reverse the spell when the battle was over, the witchdoctor himself was killed. As only he could reverse the spell to return the ladies to their former beauty, the sisters remain in their magnificent rock formation as a reminder of this battle for generations to come.
(Sourced from BluemountainsAustralia.com.au)
O Rio Olo serpenteia pelo vale encaixado do Parque Natural do Alvão, momentos antes de formar as icónicas Fisgas de Ermelo, em Mondim de Basto. Neste troço, as águas cristalinas percorrem um leito rochoso entre pinheiros e vegetação típica da serra, num desnível que antecede a queda de cerca de 200 metros que caracteriza as Fisgas. Parte integrante da Rede Natura 2000, esta zona granítica representa um dos mais importantes acidentes geológicos de Portugal Continental, onde o rio forma uma sucessão de cascatas que atraem visitantes durante todo o ano. A flora envolvente, dominada por pinheiros-bravos, contribui para o microclima característico desta região transmontana.
Wintry beauty of Northshore, MN
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This group of stalactites are illuminated in blue to accentuate the cascade-like features.
A quote from www.guilinchina.net : Reed Flute Cave known as "the Palace of Natural Arts ” is located in the northwest of Guilin City , 5 kilometers away from the center of the city. It is a cave on the southern shoulder of the Guangming Hill (Bright Hill) and is one of the most extraordinary scenic spots in Guilin .
According to a legend, Reed Flute Cave got its name because people believed that the reed by the cave's mouth could be made into flutes. The length of the Reed Flute Cave is 240 meters and offers a majestic fairyland of karst caves with landscape and rural scenery. It is a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors, all glistening in colorful lights. Some of them were given names such as Pines in the Snow, Mushroom Hill, Dragon Pagoda, Sky-Scraping Twin, Virgin Forests , Red Curtain, etc. These remarkable scenes in the cave can evoke breathless admiration from domestic and foreign visitors. The cave is highly praised as the ' Huge Art Palace of the Nature'. Tourists began to visit here in the Tang Dynasty. There are 77 stone inscriptions covering many years of history.
蘆笛岩位於廣西桂林市西北郊的蘆笛公園內的光明山上，因為其洞口長有可以做蘆笛的蘆笛草得名（一說是因為該草被吹響的聲音似笛聲）。
Taken from Treachery Headland, Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia. This view is of the rock pool and channel at the base. There are thick layers of sedimentary rock beds which have been forced by earth movements into these shapes.
As always, thanks for any comments, views or favorites, they are much appreciated!
Copyright © Paul Hollins. All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my explicit written permission.
Listed as UNESCO in 2010, the Zhangye Danxia Landform area is known as “the eye candy of Zhangye”. Many artists admire this masterpiece as it is unbelievably colorful, like a n imaginative oil painting . Zhangye's Danxia landscape has lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. These formations, sometimes smooth sometimes sharp, stand out against the greens or grays of the plains , looking grand and magnificent, vigorous and virile.
Across the Danxia landscape zone, a kaleidoscope of numerous red rocky outcrops resemble weird and wonderful shapes like castles, cones, towers ; as well as humans, creatures, birds and beasts. Their peaks peeping through the mist and clouds, produce mirage-like scenery of fantastic mountains and pavilions.
Zhangye 's Danxia was formed by the erosion of red sandstone, forming isolated peaks and steep stratified outcrops. Its special geological structure, combined with long-term desert conditions , freeze-thaw peeling, and wind and water erosion gave rise to its present appearance.
Geologists believe that Danxia topography is formed by folding of layered oceanic crust. Exposed slanting rock layers have different colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and patterns. The combination of differences in density and erosion create towering peaks, cave holes, and stone halls. (Sourced from Internet)
This was taken at the entrance to the park.
甘肅張掖國家地質公園
位於中國甘肅省張掖市, 規劃面積322平方公里。 2012年4月, “甘肅張掖丹霞地質公園” 國家地質公園（建設）資格被國土資源部批准。 2016年6月, 經實地驗收, 國土資源部同意命名該處為 “甘肅張掖國家地質公園”。這裡曾因其色彩斑斕的岩石地貌而被中國多家媒體選為中國最美地貌之一, 於2008年1月被甘肅省人民政府批准為省級“肅南－臨澤丹霞地貌風景名勝區”。
該公園位於祁連山北麓, 臨澤縣和肅南縣境內。兩縣均在甘肅省地級市張掖統轄範圍內。丹霞地貌主要分佈在康樂鄉和白銀鄉地段。臨澤丹霞景區是公園的核心區域, 距張掖市區以西30公里, 臨澤縣城以南20公里。這是整個公園發展最為完善, 遊客人數最多的一個景區。 第二大景區冰溝位於梨園河北岸, 於2014年8月3日正式揭牌。 冰溝佔地總面積為300平方公里, 海拔1500-2500米。 第三大景區肅南丹霞景區位於甘肅省臨澤縣。
張掖丹霞因其與眾不同的岩石色彩而舉世聞名。這些岩石光滑而險峻, 高數百米, 是紅礫石, 砂岩和其他礦物經過2400萬年的沉澱堆積而成。這種夾層蛋糕 般的效果與構成喜馬拉雅山脈的地殼板塊運動有關。經年累月的風吹雨淋，最終被雕琢成了如今這番奇特景象, 或形似塔, 或貌似柱, 或溝壑縱橫, 色彩斑斕, 形態各異。
This image is included in 1 gallery "사막" curated by solji park (gpdlwmf15).
The Flaming Mountains (Chinese: 火焰山; pinyin: huǒyànshān) or Gaochang Mountains are barren, eroded, red sandstone hills in Tian Shan Mountain range, Xinjiang, China. They lie near the northern rim of the Taklamakan Desert and east of the city of Turpan. Their striking gullies and trenches caused by erosion of the red sandstone bedrock give the mountains a flaming appearance at certain times of the day.
The mountains are approximately 100 kilometres (60 mi) long and 5–10 km (3–6 mi) wide, crossing the Turpan Depression from east to west. The average height of the Flaming Mountains is 500 m (1,600 ft), with some peaks reaching over 800 m (2,600 ft). The mountain climate is harsh, and the extremely high summer temperatures make this the hottest spot in China, frequently reaching 50 °C (122 °F) or higher. One of the largest thermometers in China—a popular tourist spot—is on display adjacent to the mountain, tracking the surrounding air temperature.
The temperature at the peak was 58 degrees Centigrade at the time this image was taken.
火焰山 位於新疆吐魯番盆地的中北邊緣。古書稱之為“赤石山”, 蒙古語稱 “烏蘭哈達”（意為紅山), 它主要由中生代的侏羅紀、白堊紀和第三紀的赤紅色砂、礫岩和泥岩組成, 夏季氣候乾熱, 是天山東部博格達山坡前山帶短小的褶皺低丘。東西長約100公里, 南北寬約9公里, 東起鄯善縣蘭干流沙河, 西止吐魯番桃兒溝。平均高度500米左右。火焰山因明代吳承恩著名神話小說《西遊記》而名聞天下。第五十九回至六十一回寫道 “唐三藏路阻火焰山, 孫行者三調芭蕉扇” 的故事, 使火焰山披上一層神秘的色彩。據西遊記原文寫，火焰山之所以年年噴火，是因為500年前孫悟空踢翻八卦爐, 八卦爐的火焰掉到地上, 才形成火焰山。
The Scarborough Bluffs, also known as The Bluffs, are an escarpment in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Forming much of the eastern portion of Toronto's waterfront, it is located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. At its highest point, the escarpment rises 90 metres (300 ft) above the coastline and spans a length of 15 kilometres (9.3 miles). It was first named in 1793.
The Bluffs have been described as a "geological wonder" and a unique feature in North America. It is believed to have resulted from the accumulation of sedimentary deposits over 12,000 years ago. (Sourced from Wikipedia)
This was taken on a windy, overcast morning. For a few moments only the rock faces were receiving morning light. Exposure time was hard to be precise. Erosion has created cathedral spire formations (first group from the right), exposing evidence of five different glacial periods. Here the brightness of the rock faces amongst surrounding Autumn foliage is accentuated by the blue water in the shadow in the foreground.
A vista panorâmica sobre o vale do Rio Ceira, observada a partir dos Passadiços do Cerro da Candosa, em Vila Nova do Ceira, Góis, revela uma paisagem moldada por fragas quartzíticas que formam a crista que se estende até à Serra do Buçaco. Este percurso pedonal, inaugurado em 2022 e com cerca de 650 metros, proporciona uma imersão na geologia e vegetação características da região, incluindo um acesso privilegiado ao desfiladeiro do Cabril do Ceira, conhecido como Portas do Ceira. As aldeias e campos agrícolas dispersos entre encostas florestadas refletem o tradicional povoamento rural da bacia hidrográfica do Mondego. O local está associado à lenda da Senhora da Candosa e é um ponto de interesse para caminhadas, observação da natureza e fotografia, mantendo viva a memória das comunidades locais afetadas pelos incêndios de 2019.
The panoramic view over the Ceira River valley, seen from the Cerro da Candosa walkways in Vila Nova do Ceira, Góis, reveals a landscape shaped by quartzite cliffs that form the ridge extending to the Buçaco Mountains. This footpath, inaugurated in 2022 and approximately 650 meters long, provides an immersion in the geology and vegetation characteristic of the region, including privileged access to the Cabril do Ceira gorge, known as Portas do Ceira. The villages and agricultural fields scattered among forested slopes reflect the traditional rural settlement of the Mondego river basin. The site is associated with the legend of Senhora da Candosa and is a point of interest for hiking, nature observation, and photography, keeping alive the memory of the local communities affected by the 2019 fires.
This image is included in a gallery "Natural Rock Art" curated by Ardan.
This was captured near Mutitjulu Waterhole, Uluru.
The rock art around Uluru is evidence of how cultural knowledge and Tjukurpa stories have been passed from generation to generation. It is extremely difficult to accurately date the rock art at Uluru. Carbon dating can only pick up the age of the rock and the materials used for the pigments, rather than the paintings themselves. However, Anangu people are believed to have lived in the Uluru region for at least 30,000 years. The rock art is an important historical and scientific record of human occupation in this area.
The park’s rock art sites have many layers of pictures, symbols and figures painted on top of each other. This is because the same sites have been used in Anangu education for tens of thousands of years.
Anangu traditionally made their paints from natural minerals and ash. The dry materials were placed on flat stones, crushed and mixed with kapi (water) or animal fat. The most common paint colours are red, yellow, orange, white, grey and black. These colours come from a variety of materials. Tutu (red ochre) and untanu (yellow ochre) are iron-stained clays that were very valuable and traded across the land. Burnt kurkara (desert oak) provides both purku (black charcoal) and tjunpa/unu (white ash).
The Mutitjulu Cave has many examples of concentric circles, which can represent a waterhole, a campsite or a place of significance. Multiple concentric circles linked by lines may represent a journey. (from Kulpi Mutitjulu website)
Though not as popular as the Twelve Apostles, these 3 huge limestone stacks look golden in a warm Summer morning.
This image is included in a gallery entitled "ROJO AZUL" curated by skyleon_22
After being out West I have made it home with many photos, friends. This week I will be viewing those photo's, visiting my Flickr friends and catching up . ;-)
This is just one of the very vivid landscapes in the Valley of Fire, Nevada's oldest and largest state park. The valley gets its name from the red sandstone formations in this section of the Mojave Desert. When we arrived in this area a man was reported lost at the base of this rock formation.
Most of you know that I love rocks but I swear I will not upload every rock photo that I took on this trip. ;-P
This image is included in a gallery "Fels, Namensbestandteil "Teufel", "Devil" etc." curated by Götz Wiedenroth.
The water in the large bath looks like a green paint.
Between geysers and colorfully steaming mud bogs, the Wai-O-Tapu volcanic era offers no shortage of wondrous attractions. The Devil’s Bath may not have as many active reactions as other features in the vicinity, but it is still the most eye-catching (and the most intriguingly named). The pool sits in a slight depression likely created from a massive eruption from underground. It is well out of reach of visiting gawkers but can be seen clearly from above. The bright green water gets its color from deposits of sulphur that rise to the surface and float on top. The green identifies that active mineral while other hues found across the park such as blues, reds, and otherwise signify other volcanic elements.
The origin of the demonic monicker is unknown, but given how unnatural the pool looks, it would almost come as no surprise to see Satan himself rise from the still lake.
(Sourced from Wai-O-Tapu Official site)
Gosseberry Falls Created by Cascade River is unique for its root beer color. The geological features, not the pollution is the reason behind the color. It is one of the most attractive places for the visitors in North Shore, MN. The River cascades down to Lake Superior.
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Bedruthan Steps is a stunning stretch of coastline located on the north coast of Cornwall, England. Known for its dramatic and rugged beauty, Bedruthan Steps is famous for the large sea stacks that rise from the sandy beach and the intricate cliff formations. The site is named after the mythological giant Bedruthan, who is said to have used these colossal stones as stepping stones. The area is part of the National Trust, preserving its natural beauty and making it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers seeking the enchanting landscapes that Cornwall has to offer.
Taken from Treachery Headland, Seal Rocks, NSW, Australia. This view is at the top of a steep incline and the second image is of the rock pool and channel at the base. There are thick layers of sedimentary rock beds which have been forced by earth movements into these shapes.
As always, thanks for any comments, views or favorites, they are much appreciated!
Copyright © Paul Hollins. All my images are protected under international authors copyright laws and may not be downloaded, reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without my explicit written permission.
The "bridge" joining the arch crumbled on 15/1/1990. Now only the arch is standing to brave the waves and tides and winds and harsh Australian sun.
The Scarborough Bluffs, also known as The Bluffs, are an escarpment in the Scarborough district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Forming much of the eastern portion of Toronto's waterfront, it is located along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. At its highest point, the escarpment rises 90 metres (300 ft) above the coastline and spans a length of 15 kilometres (9.3 miles). It was first named in 1793.
The Bluffs have been described as a "geological wonder" and a unique feature in North America. It is believed to have resulted from the accumulation of sedimentary deposits over 12,000 years ago. (Sourced from Wikipedia)
This was taken on a windy, overcast morning. Exposure time was hard to be precise. Erosion has created cathedral spire formations (first group from the right), exposing evidence of five different glacial periods.