View allAll Photos Tagged GeologicalWonder
The river Skjálfandafljót splits into two streams due to the cliff to the left before forming the formidable Goðafoss waterfall in the Central-North region of Iceland. This makes the fall to be shaped like half a horse shoe with two main drops and several smaller spouts. In this panorama I have opted for a normal shutter speed to rather show the might of the river.
I've driven past this geological wonder many times over the years, but never taken a picture because of the time of day and or uninteresting sky. That finally changed while I was headed to a delivery in Ogden,Utah and then home in Salt Lake for a weekend of family time. This is off US-191 just a bit north of Monticello, Utah. Before posting I did a little research, "Google" to see what it was called. The link below from Wikipedia lists several places that share the same name, this Church Rock is the forth one down the list. Interesting to note that the name came from basically an untrue story. Check it out if you have an interest.
Church Rock (Utah) - Wikipedia
Contrasting rock formations in Southeast Iceland showcasing the rough beauty of these solitary landscapes.
This is definitely the most popular viewing point for visitors along the canyon's south rim.
—View large to see sedimentary rock texture—
It was a hard struggle for me, due to some lung issues, but I managed to climb to the top! I was very exited to see the slot canyon and discover the rocks from below and above.
From the BLM (Bureau of land Management) website:
"The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a remarkable outdoor laboratory, offering an opportunity to observe, study, and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes. The National Monument, on the Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico, includes a national recreation trail and ranges from 5,570 feet to 6,760 feet above sea level. It is for foot travel only, and contains two segments that provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, geologic observation, and plant identification."
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
"The seas of the world are salty, this lake is like a colossal diamond, clear, pure, sparkling, lying like a heaven-lighted gem in a bowl of rich greenery fringed with a lace-work of chromatic rocks that take on the most weird and enchanting shapes."
~Julian Ralph 1890
Please enjoy this natural wonder in Large
Thank you so much for your visit!
Taken at Oregon's Painted Hills in late afternoon light. I'm often asked when to capture the best light at the Painted Hills. I've found late afternoon is best, especially the low angle light of fall or winter.
Rich Border mentioned this rock formation in the first picture of this Virginia River Gorge series, and called it "Mickey Mouse Magician's hat". So I'll start by thanking Rich for inadvertently helping me come up with a title. If you look at the first picture in the series, you'll see this on the right of the highway. Looking forward to moving on to some other stuff tomorrow night.
Las Cavernas de Marmol son un conjunto de formaciones de roca marmorea labradas por el viento y la erosion en una peninsula al suroeste del gran Lago General Carrera a tan solo 4 kms del poblado de Puerto Tranquilo en la Patagonia Chilena. Un gigantesco filon de marmol que se extiende por varios kms junto a las costas del lago al plegarse, genero complejas bandas de diferentes colores siendo el color predominante el azul. El conjunto ofrece magnificas y singulares formaciones tales como el mayor acantilado de marmol azul del mundo con mas de 100 mts de altura, diversas cavernas y las famosas Capilla y Catedral de Marmol perfectamente complementadas con el color turqueza del lago ofreciendo un espectaculo natural unico en el mundo. En 1999 fueron declaradas Monumento Natural y consideradas entre los 10 destinos mas fascinantes del mundo. El auge turistico en los ultimos años las han convertido en uno de los atractivos mas destacados de la Carretera Austral.
La Carretera Austral es uno de los mayores atractivos de la Patagonia chilena. Esta larga carretera que nació como un sendero de colonización a fines del siglo XX, actualmente es una ruta turística de un creciente interés para viajeros y aventureros de todo el mundo que quieran recorrer la salvaje belleza patagónica. Se ha consolidado como destino por ser una de las mejores 10 rutas escénicas del mundo para viajar ya sea en auto, motocicleta o en bicicleta.
La Carretera Austral o Ruta CH-7, nace en la ciudad de Puerto Montt, recorriendo mas de 1.240 kilómetros, en su trayecto cruza varias veces la cordillera de los Andes, junto con bordear el litoral y los fiordos de la Patagonia Occidental, para luego internarse en los bosques australes siempre verdes, acercándose a numerosos glaciares, grandes lagos y los ventisqueros de los Campos de Hielo Norte para finalizar en Villa O’Higgins, a unos cuantos kilómetros del Campo de Hielo Sur.
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The Marble Caverns are a set of marble rock formations carved by wind and erosion in a peninsula to the southwest of the Great General Carrera Lake, only 4 kms from the town of Puerto Tranquilo in the Chilean Patagonia. A gigantic row of marble that extends for several kms next to the coasts of the lake when folding generated complex bands of different colors being the predominant color the blue. The complex offers magnificent and unique formations such as the largest blue marble cliff in the world with more than 100 meters high, several caverns and the famous Chapel and Marble Cathedral perfectly complemented by the turquoise color of the lake offering a unique natural spectacle in the world. In 1999 they were declared Natural Monument and considered among the 10 most fascinating destinations in the world. The tourist boom in recent years have made them one of the highlights of the Carretera Austral.
The Carretera Austral is one of the biggest attractions of the Chilean Patagonia . This long road that began as a path of colonization in the late twentieth century , is now a tourist route of a growing interest for travelers and adventurers from around the world who want to explore the wild beauty of Patagonia . It has become destiny as one of the top 10 best scenic routes in the world to travel either by car , motorcycle or bicycle .
The Carretera Austral or Route CH -7, born in the city of Puerto Montt , traveling more than 1,240 miles in its path crosses several times the Andes along with skirting the coast and fjords of Western Patagonia then deep into the southern evergreen forests approaching numerous glaciers large lakes and the glaciers of the Northern Ice Field to finish in Villa O'Higgins a few kilometers from Southern Ice Field .
The Garden of the Gods is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
This was a great way to discover Bryce, because I could not do it walking!
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are
always much appreciated!
Looking up from the floor of the Carnarvon Gorge Amphitheatre through the small space that opens to the bright sky above is an awesome experience. It also provides some indication of the texture and colour variations of the sandstone rock faces that make up this natural wonder.
For a view of the walls lower down in the Amphitheatre, and for further information on the Amphitheatre itself, see my adjacent image No. 0499
© Irwin Reynolds, all rights reserved. If you are interested in using one of my images or would like a high-quality fine art print, please send an email to irwinreynolds@me.com.
The Garden of the Gods is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
Near the little village La Charce in te Drôme in France lies this geoglogical curiosity, discovered in 1977.
For Dutch people who are interested i have the following link: drome-blog.nl/geologische-curiositeit-la-charce/
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
From the BLM (Bureau of land Management) website:
"The Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument is a remarkable outdoor laboratory, offering an opportunity to observe, study, and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes. The National Monument, on the Pajarito Plateau in north-central New Mexico, includes a national recreation trail and ranges from 5,570 feet to 6,760 feet above sea level. It is for foot travel only, and contains two segments that provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, geologic observation, and plant identification."
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
These gorgeous and remarkable hills replicated in other places throughout the world turn brilliantly colorful when the sun angle drops especially on a winter afternoon. I never tire of Central Oregon's unusually diverse topography.
Thank you very much for stopping by to view! Always appreciated!
Las Cavernas de Marmol son un conjunto de formaciones de roca marmorea labradas por el viento y la erosion en una peninsula al suroeste del gran Lago General Carrera a tan solo 4 kms del poblado de Puerto Tranquilo en la Patagonia Chilena. Un gigantesco filon de marmol que se extiende por varios kms junto a las costas del lago al plegarse, genero complejas bandas de diferentes colores siendo el color predominante el azul. El conjunto ofrece magnificas y singulares formaciones tales como el mayor acantilado de marmol azul del mundo con mas de 100 mts de altura, diversas cavernas y las famosas Capilla y Catedral de Marmol perfectamente complementadas con el color turqueza del lago ofreciendo un espectaculo natural unico en el mundo. En 1999 fueron declaradas Monumento Natural y consideradas entre los 10 destinos mas fascinantes del mundo. El auge turistico en los ultimos años las han convertido en uno de los atractivos mas destacados de la Carretera Austral.
La Carretera Austral es uno de los mayores atractivos de la Patagonia chilena. Esta larga carretera que nació como un sendero de colonización a fines del siglo XX, actualmente es una ruta turística de un creciente interés para viajeros y aventureros de todo el mundo que quieran recorrer la salvaje belleza patagónica. Se ha consolidado como destino por ser una de las mejores 10 rutas escénicas del mundo para viajar ya sea en auto, motocicleta o en bicicleta.
La Carretera Austral o Ruta CH-7, nace en la ciudad de Puerto Montt, recorriendo mas de 1.240 kilómetros, en su trayecto cruza varias veces la cordillera de los Andes, junto con bordear el litoral y los fiordos de la Patagonia Occidental, para luego internarse en los bosques australes siempre verdes, acercándose a numerosos glaciares, grandes lagos y los ventisqueros de los Campos de Hielo Norte para finalizar en Villa O’Higgins, a unos cuantos kilómetros del Campo de Hielo Sur.
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The Marble Caverns are a set of marble rock formations carved by wind and erosion in a peninsula to the southwest of the Great General Carrera Lake, only 4 kms from the town of Puerto Tranquilo in the Chilean Patagonia. A gigantic row of marble that extends for several kms next to the coasts of the lake when folding generated complex bands of different colors being the predominant color the blue. The complex offers magnificent and unique formations such as the largest blue marble cliff in the world with more than 100 meters high, several caverns and the famous Chapel and Marble Cathedral perfectly complemented by the turquoise color of the lake offering a unique natural spectacle in the world. In 1999 they were declared Natural Monument and considered among the 10 most fascinating destinations in the world. The tourist boom in recent years have made them one of the highlights of the Carretera Austral.
The Carretera Austral is one of the biggest attractions of the Chilean Patagonia . This long road that began as a path of colonization in the late twentieth century , is now a tourist route of a growing interest for travelers and adventurers from around the world who want to explore the wild beauty of Patagonia . It has become destiny as one of the top 10 best scenic routes in the world to travel either by car , motorcycle or bicycle .
The Carretera Austral or Route CH -7, born in the city of Puerto Montt , traveling more than 1,240 miles in its path crosses several times the Andes along with skirting the coast and fjords of Western Patagonia then deep into the southern evergreen forests approaching numerous glaciers large lakes and the glaciers of the Northern Ice Field to finish in Villa O'Higgins a few kilometers from Southern Ice Field .
A sweeping view from the ridge-top Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center in southeastern New Mexico. Perched at the edge of the Guadalupe Mountains, this overlook reveals the vast Chihuahuan Desert stretching toward the horizon. Wisps of high-altitude clouds drift above the open plains, echoing the stillness and scale of this rugged desert landscape.
photo rights reserved by Ben
We are in the region of Kakheti, tucked between colorful hills in eastern Georgia — a vast landscape of open space and rolling forms, near the border with Azerbaijan. This area stands in striking contrast to the green, mountainous regions found elsewhere in the country. What unfolds here is a breathtaking semi-desert landscape, with gently undulating hills, dusty paths, and endless horizons. The vivid red and pink tones in the ridgelines are the result of iron-rich clay layers and centuries of erosion, revealing the earth’s strata like a geological layer cake. These striking colors alternate with straw-yellow plains, patches of green shrubs, and deep shadows in the valleys, giving the scene an almost otherworldly feel. More often than not, you’ll have this landscape entirely to yourself. It’s a perfect place for peaceful walks, a quiet picnic, or simply enjoying the silence. Occasionally, herders pass through with their flocks, adding to the timeless, dreamlike atmosphere. The colorful geological layers, as seen in the photo, are typical of the erosion-sculpted valleys and make the region visually captivating. Kakhetii also played a significant role in medieval Georgian history. At the edge of the region lies the famed David Gareja Monastery, partly carved into the rock — a site rich in both spiritual and political meaning. It feels like a place "outside of time" — perfect for those drawn to raw beauty, stillness, and hidden stories.
In the remote region of Kakheti in eastern Georgia, a striking semi-desert landscape stretches toward the horizon. Colored hills, shaped by erosion and rich in red and pink tones, create a surreal and silent setting. Far from the tourist crowds, this area offers peaceful walks, sweeping views, and glimpses of shepherds passing through. The nearby David Gareja Monastery, carved into rock, adds spiritual and historical depth to this timeless, untouched land.
We bevinden ons in de regio Kakheti, verscholen tussen de kleurrijke heuvels in het oosten van Georgië — een wereld van uitgestrekte leegte en golvende vormen, vlak bij de grens met Azerbeidzjan. Het landschap vormt een intrigerend contrast met de groene, bergachtige streken elders in het land. Hier ontvouwt zich een indrukwekkend halfwoestijnachtig landschap, met zachtglooiende heuvels, stoffige paden en eindeloze horizonten. De opvallende rode en roze tinten in de heuvelruggen zijn het resultaat van ijzerrijke kleilagen en eeuwenlange erosie, die de aardlagen zichtbaar maken als een soort geologische taart. Deze kleurcontrasten wisselen af met strogele vlakten, groene struikbedekking en donkere schaduwen in de valleien — wat het landschap een bijna buitenaardse uitstraling geeft. Vaak heb je dit landschap helemaal voor jezelf. De omgeving leent zich perfect voor rustige wandelingen, een picknick, of simpelweg het genieten van de stilte. Zo nu en dan trekken herders voorbij met hun kuddes, wat bijdraagt aan de tijdloze, bijna dromerige sfeer. De kleurrijke geologische lagen, zoals te zien op de foto, zijn kenmerkend voor de erosierijke valleien en maken de regio visueel bijzonder aantrekkelijk. Kakheti speelde bovendien een belangrijke rol in het middeleeuwse Georgië. Aan de rand van de regio ligt het beroemde David Gareja-klooster, deels uitgehouwen in de rotsen — een spirituele en politiek beladen plek. Het voelt als een gebied "buiten de tijd", ideaal voor wie houdt van ruige schoonheid, stilte en verborgen verhalen.
A view from Cathedral Bluffs seen on a windy day.
A warm thank you to all who visited, commented or faved.
On the way back to the truck after watching the sunset, we stopped for some photographs of the White Rim Road. The White Rim Road is a 71-mile-long four-wheel drive road that traverses the top of the White Rim Sandstone formation below the Island in the Sky mesa of Canyonlands National Park. The Colorado River is in the canyon below the White Rim Sandstone.
A breathtaking landscape of Tenerife, where vibrant green cacti thrive on rugged volcanic terrain. The contrast between the dark lava rocks, lush vegetation, and dramatic clouds creates a scene that captures the raw beauty of the Canary Islands.
A spectacular array of colors adorns the hills of Artists Palette in Death Valley. The colors are caused by oxidation of various metals found in the rock. If you zoom in you might be able to see about a dozen people hiking or sitting in the area waiting for sunset.
The Garden of the Gods is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
This was a peaceful moment to admire nature, but at this time I can only think of Peace not War!
The Garden of the Gods is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
This was a peaceful moment to admire nature, but at this time I can only think of Peace not War!
The Garden of the Gods is a unique biological melting pot where the grasslands of the Great Plains meet the pinon-juniper woodlands characteristic of the American Southwest and merge with the mountain forest of the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak - America's Mountain.
Thank you for taken your time to visit me, comments or faves are always much appreciated!
This breathtaking image captures the golden sand dunes of Sossusvlei, Namibia, where light and shadow create mesmerizing patterns. A symbol of Namibia’s stunning landscapes, these towering dunes are a photographer’s dream and a testament to nature’s artistry.
UTAH
A true geological wonder
Featured as Photo of the Day in Travel on 5 Photos a Day Group
Winner of "Stripes" Contest in The Love Shack Group
The beauty of Bryce deserves to be seen in LARGE and View On Black
The wall, that is, of the Carnarvon Gorge Amphitheatre. Hidden behind a towering sandstone cliff and accessible only through a narrow crevasse in the rock*, the Amphitheatre, with its weather-scoured walls, is one of the Gorge’s most spectacular features—a 70 metre deep chamber cut into the rock over millennia by the force of running water. It is an awesome sight, but a challenge to photograph because of the extreme contrast between the bright light on the rocks at the top and the deep shadows on the walls lower down. In reality much of the sandstone in the walls at the bottom is virtually the same colour as that at the top but it appears much darker due to the complete lack of direct sunlight**.
* For a wide-angle view of the overall cliff face and the narrow crevasse in the rock, see my earlier image, No. 0420. And for a view of the opening at the top of the Amphitheatre, see my adjacent image No. 0500.
** Note: Image No. 0420 also provides an indication of the colour variation in the sandstone walls.
© Irwin Reynolds, all rights reserved. If you are interested in using one of my images or would like a high-quality fine art print, please send an email to irwinreynolds@me.com.
A moody, atmospheric view of the Grand Canyon as low clouds swirl over the rim and the Colorado River snakes through the ancient rock. Captured during a passing storm, this image emphasizes the raw power and scale of nature's most iconic chasm.
Reaching Col de Furfande mid-morning during my Tour du Queyras trek, I was greeted by this extraordinary panorama under perfect clear skies. The timing proved ideal - the morning light had climbed high enough to illuminate the entire landscape, revealing every geological detail with remarkable clarity.
My intention was to capture the full grandeur of this legendary viewpoint that hikers speak of with reverence. From this elevated perch, the entire complexity of Queyras unfolds: the dramatic succession of limestone ridges in warm earth tones, the deep forested valleys creating dark contrasts, and the distant peaks fading into soft blue horizons. The panoramic format was essential to convey the 360-degree spectacle that makes Col de Furfande one of the Tour's most celebrated passages.
What captivated me was how this vantage point offers a perfect reading of the region's geology - each layer of rock, each fold in the terrain tells millions of years of Earth's history. Standing here, you understand why crossing mountain passes has always been both challenge and revelation for those who venture into high places.
This image celebrates that perfect convergence of effort and reward that defines great mountain trekking - the satisfaction of reaching a col and discovering views that exceed all expectations.
An awe-inspiring view from Tenerife’s highlands, where volcanic landscapes meet a sea of clouds. This unique perspective captures the island’s rugged beauty, with towering peaks rising above a surreal, misty expanse. A true paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers seeking breathtaking views.
Standing before these pristine emerald pools in Anisclo Canyon, I was mesmerized by the incredible clarity and color of the water flowing through this limestone paradise. These natural formations, carved over millennia by the Bellos River, create some of the most stunning aquatic landscapes in the Spanish Pyrenees.
I wanted to capture the perfect harmony between the towering limestone cliffs and the delicate calcite pools below, showing how water and stone collaborate to create this natural masterpiece. The contrast between the golden canyon walls bathed in warm light and the cool turquoise waters creates a visual symphony that speaks to the timeless beauty of geological processes.
What struck me most was the pristine quality of this ecosystem - the crystal-clear water revealing every detail of the limestone bottom, the lush forest thriving in this protected environment, and the sense of discovering a hidden jewel within the dramatic landscape of Ordesa National Park.
My intention was to showcase this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at its most beautiful, celebrating the successful conservation of one of Europe's most remarkable canyon systems and inspiring continued protection of these irreplaceable natural treasures that define the character of the Aragonese Pyrenees.
Basking in the golden glow of the Namibian sun, these ancient rock formations stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Weathered by wind and shaped by nature’s hand, they create a surreal landscape where the beauty of the desert meets the ruggedness of the wilderness.
Captured in the heart of Namibia’s Namib Desert, this breathtaking dune in Sossusvlei glows with warm hues under the rising sun. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dramatic contrast, showcasing the raw beauty of one of the world’s oldest deserts. A mesmerizing landscape of solitude, timelessness, and nature’s artistry.
Parys Mountain, located on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, is renowned for its historic copper mine, which dates back to the Bronze Age and saw extensive mining during the 18th century. The mountain's strikingly colourful landscape, with hues of red, orange, and purple, is a result of the rich mineral deposits. Today, Parys Mountain is a significant geological and historical site, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Wales' industrial heritage and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Thank you in advance to everyone that comments and/or faves my picture. They are all immensely appreciated.
- Espero que os guste y gracias por pasar por aquí y dejar vuestro comentario. Un saludo.
- Eskerrik asko aldez aurretik argazkia gustatzen zaionari edo komentazen duenari, beti izango zarete ondo etorriak.
Muito obrigado / Vielen dank / Merci / Grazie
- Thank you in advance to everyone that comments and/or faves my picture. They are all immensely appreciated.
- Espero que os guste y gracias por pasar por aquí y dejar vuestro comentario. Un saludo.
- Eskerrik asko aldez aurretik argazkia gustatzen zaionari edo komentazen duenari, beti izango zarete ondo etorriak.
Muito obrigado / Vielen dank / Merci / Grazie
A stunning view into the deep natural gorge of Ronda, Andalusia, where millennia of erosion have sculpted sheer rock walls layered with vegetation. At the bottom flows the Guadalevín River, passing through a canal near a small landing platform marked “Ronda,” hinting at the town’s hidden depths and natural wonders.
- Thank you in advance to everyone that comments and/or faves my picture. They are all immensely appreciated.
- Espero que os guste y gracias por pasar por aquí y dejar vuestro comentario. Un saludo.
- Eskerrik asko aldez aurretik argazkia gustatzen zaionari edo komentazen duenari, beti izango zarete ondo etorriak.
Muito obrigado / Vielen dank / Merci / Grazie