June 12, 2017
The Blue Hole, Belize
The Great Blue Hole is a gigantic sinkhole off the coast of Belize that measures 984 ft across and 407 ft deep. The blue hole was formed through karsting episodes of limestone where the limestone dissolves. The dissolution of limestone occurs differently during high and low sea levels, with the Great Blue Hole likely forming over the course of several glaciation cycles. Divers from around the world visit this UNESCO world heritage site to enjoy the natural wonder of the hole and diverse marine life.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USA
Antelope Canyon is an eroded slot canyon near Page, Arizona. These incredible sandstone features are carved primarily during tremendous flash flooding events. Erosion along the slots are episodic yet powerful, with rainfall collecting within the slots and rushing down slope through narrow passages. The rainwater erodes the sandstone, creating a mixture of water and sand, the perfect tool to smooth the walls on either side of the canyon.
Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) boundary, Geulhem, Netherlands
The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary (previously the K-T boundary) represents one of the largest worldwide extinction events on record. Dating back to 66 million years ago, the K-Pg boundary represents the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs and many of the world's terrestrial species. This extinction event killed three quarters of plant and animal species on earth and is marked by high levels of iridium, a rare element on Earth but a common element in asteroids. With one finger, as seen above, you can put your finger on the remnants of three quarters of the world's species. It's an incredible lesson in geology and our earth's history in that so much can happen in a few centimeters of sediment.
Crystal Cave, Mexico
The Crystal Cave in Mexico is a geologic wonder worthy of visiting. This cave boasts up to 40 ft long and 13 ft diameter selenite crystals (Gypsum) that each can weigh up to 55 tons. The crystals were able to grow to massive sizes due to the high but stable temperature of around 136 degrees Fahrenheit. Underlying magma heated the overlying cave water causing the high temperatures and environment for gypsum to crystalize. Tourists can explore the cave with a guide and training.
Travertine Deposits, Pamukkale, Turkey
Pamukkale in Turkey is an incredible display of natural travertine deposits. Travertine is a type of limestone that is deposited by hot springs. The fibrous travertine forms from precipitation of calcium carbonate from solution. Pamukkale was recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1988.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni is the largest salt flat in the world at 4,086 square miles and at 12,000 ft elevation. This salt flat was formed during repeated flooding and drying of the region. During floods, rainwater brings minerals into the Salar, adding to the future salt deposits that form when the Salar dries. The Salar de Uyuni contains 50 to 70% of the world's lithium reserves, as well as many other rare trace minerals.
Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
The Grand Canyon formed by the entrenchment of the Colorado River during the Laramie orogeny uplift of the region. This orogeny formed the Rocky Mountains and provided the mechanism for the Colorado River to erode down into the underlying rock. The Grand Canyon displays rock from about 200 million to 2 billion years old. This is truly one of the geologic wonders of the world and is a must see.
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