Rocks are perhaps one of the most beautiful creations of Mother Nature. They are found everywhere on the globe: they hang over river valleys, stick out of sea waters, bizarrely look out from the snowfields and glaciers of Antarctica. In this article you will find photos of the most picturesque rocks of our planet.
What is a rock? Types of rocks
A rock is a geological formation, a landform formed as a result of the processes of erosion and weathering of solid rocks. According to a simpler, non-scientific definition, a rock is a boulder with steep, often steep, slopes and numerous sharp ledges, almost devoid of any vegetation.
Rocks are most often found in mountainous areas, on sea coasts, as well as in river valleys. Depending on what rock they were formed from, several types of them are distinguished:
- limestone;
- chalk;
- sandstone;
- dolomitic;
- granite;
- bas alt.
Synonymousthe concept for the word "rock" is an outcrop. This is a geological term for the outcrop of bedrock on the earth's surface. Outcrops can often be found on the slopes of river valleys, as well as in man-made quarries.
The most beautiful rocks on the planet: photo and location
There are many magnificent and original rock formations on the surface of our planet. Some of them are truly breathtaking!
So, the most recognizable rock in the world is Ko-Tapu in Thailand. Its height is 20 meters. Sea water has turned the soft "leg" of the limestone rock, giving it a bizarre shape.
No less famous are the coastal cliffs of the Twelve Apostles that adorn the coast of Port Campbell National Park in Australia. They look incredibly picturesque during sunset. It is curious that there are not twelve rocks here, but only eight.
But the Dan Bristy rock in Ireland holds the record for the originality of its outlines. It is located at a distance of 80 m from the coast and has a height of 50 m. The walls of the rock were chosen by birds that build thousands of nests here.
The eastern slope of the Trango Tower is considered the largest rock in the world. This peak belongs to the Karakoram mountain system and is located on the territory of Pakistan. The height of the rock peak reaches 1340 meters.
