The enigmatic spherical boulders strewn across Koekohe Beach, New Zealand, continue to perplex scientists to this day. These mammoth rocks, each weighing several tons and towering up to 2 meters high, are riddled with numerous cracks and bear an uncanny resemblance to dinosaur eggs. Despite extensive study, experts have been unable to unravel the mystery of their origin, but believe they were formed around 60 million years ago.
The peculiar rocks at Moeraki Beach bear a striking resemblance to ancient dinosaur eggs, according to experts. Their analysis reveals that these strange spherical formations are actually Septarian concretions, formed by the accumulation and thickening of sediment and minerals around a core, similar to how oysters produce pearls. Similar rocks can also be found near Hokitika port.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Moving on to the Waitomo Glowworm Cave, located in the town of Waitomo on New Zealand’s North Island, it is part of a network of three caves, including RuaKuri and Aranui. Since its discovery, it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. The unique beauty of Waitomo Glowworm Cave lies in its ability to emit a strange light that makes visitors feel like they are floating among the stars.
The mesmerizing and alluring ambiance of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave is attributed to a distinct species of firefly that thrives in the region, as determined by scientists. This particular type of firefly, scientifically named Arachnocampa Luminosa, emits a unique blue-green light, unlike the typical yellow light that other fireflies produce. Although the light serves the purpose of luring prey, it unintentionally creates a stunning and fascinating spectacle in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave.
Pamukkale, Turkey
Nestled in the Meander River Valley in Denizli Province, Pamukkale is a renowned travel destination in Turkey, and around the world. Its name means “cotton castle” in Turkish, an apt moniker for this geological wonder. Pamukkale is situated on a fault line between tectonic plates, where volcanic activity has created a series of caves filled with carbon dioxide and hot springs.
Visitors are awestruck by Pamukkale’s terraced hot springs cascading down the slopes of white limestone mountains. From afar, the site looks like a majestic snow-capped mountain, but the mineral-rich hot springs are unlike any others in the world, making Pamukkale an ideal getaway for travelers. With water levels of only about half a meter and mineral-rich spring water, it’s a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni, spanning over 10,000 square kilometers, is the largest salt flat in the world. Located between the Potosi and Oruro regions of Bolivia, the flat is believed to have formed due to changes in the stratigraphic structure and the deposition of seas since prehistoric times.
During prehistoric times, seas covered the entire southwest region of Bolivia, but the water gradually dried up, leaving behind only two small lakes, Poopo and Uru Uru. Coral fossils found in some caves provide evidence of a sea that existed in the past. When the salt flats are flooded, they turn into a giant natural mirror reflecting the surrounding wild and majestic natural landscape, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring experience.
White Desert, Egypt
The White Desert, also known as Farafra, is located in the Northern Farafra Oasis, approximately 570 km from the Egyptian capital, Cairo. Covering an area of about 3,010 square kilometers, this desert is famous for its naturally formed rocks of various shapes, created by sandstorms’ erosion.
Scientific research indicates that this desert was once a sea, and the shells still remain on the rocky outcrops after the sea receded. With the white color of the sand dunes and the giant natural rock formations, the White Desert attracts many tourists to visit.
The most alluring tourist attraction in the White Desert is the bizarrely shaped rocks scattered throughout the vast space, resembling mushrooms, umbrellas, birds, rabbits, babies, and camels. These stones change color throughout the day, from light pink at sunrise to golden at sunset, making visitors feel like they’ve stepped into another world.
Fly Geyser, Nevada, USA
Fly Geyser is located on private land at the edge of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. It was accidentally created in 1964 after an energy company drilled into a geothermal water pocket. Today, a water fountain shoots up to 5 feet high, resulting in cone-shaped mineral formations that grow a few inches each year. The bright colors of red and green are thermophilic algae.
