“One shouldn’t travel to make a journey, typical of some length, but rather explore – to travel through (ideally an unfamiliar area) in order to learn about it”. – Anonymous
The world is full of natural wonders, many of which are yet to be discovered. Here are seven of my favourite:
Stromboli, Italy
Located off the north coast of Sicily, Stromboli is one of the three active volcanoes in Italy, and also one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Small ‘strombolian’ eruptions occur every 20-30 minutes, as the volcano spews ash and magma several metres into the air. The volcanic island is home to a few hundred (brave) residents. The last major eruption was on 13 April, 2009.
Mud Volcanoes of Gobustan, Azerbaijan
Gobustan is home to the National Historical Landmark Preserve. It received this prestigious title in 1966 to protect its ancient carvings, relics, and gas-stones.
The rock art images are representations of hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles during prehistoric times – dating as far back as 40 000 years.
The national landmark is also home to approximately 400 mud volcanoes, making up nearly a third of the world’s mud volcanoes.
Marble Caves, Chile Chico
The Marble Caves are a result of over 60 000 years of corrosion caused by calcium carbonate-rich waves lashing at its form. Nestled in the Andes Mountains, the large rock formation and its mesmerising caves and tunnels are located in the waters General Carrera Lake, or Lake Buenos Aires – if you happen to be visiting from Argentinean shores. One can’t reach the caves by land, as there are no roads or bridges to the site. Being a popular tourist destination, the tunnels are frequently explored by boat or kayak.
Lake Retba, Senegal
Situated 30km north-east of the capital, Dakar, Lake Retba gets its rich pink colour from Dunaliella salina algae. The algae’s effect on the lake’s water is most prominent during the dry season, November –June.
Lake Retba also has a very high salt density; as high as 40% in some areas. Not many fish are able to survive in such acidic waters, but some fish have evolved by developing a saltwater-flushing feature. However, despite being able to adapt, many of the fish suffer from salt lake fish dwarfism, and are subsequently three to four times smaller than other fish.
Salor de Uyuni, Bolivia
Undeniably the world’s largest salt flat, the Salor de Uyuni was formed approximately 40 000 years ago. Scientists hypothesise that its formation is a result of a series of prehistoric lake transformations, and the outcome is what we see today – a vast lake bed comprising of mineral-rich crust covering a pool of brine.
The vast flat makes up more than half the world’s supply of lithium, the mineral used in computers, electric cars and phone batteries.
The never-ending stretch of mineral deposits also forms the world’s largest natural mirror.
Sailing Stones, Death Valley National Park, California
The mystery behind the curious case of the sailing stones is yet to be solved, because no one has ever seen it happen. Many have speculated, blaming aliens, spirits and the like, but I find the scientific approach to be easier to grasp in this instance. The hundred pound stones or rocks slide across the dry lake bed during the cooler seasons, when the plain and the stones are glazed with ice/frost. Add some strong wind and you have sailing stones gliding across the surface, leaving a telltale trail in its wake.
Blood Falls, Antarctica
Appropriately dubbed the Blood Falls of Antarctica after its discovery in 1911, the iron oxide-tainted saltwater plume, flowing from the side of the Taylor Glacier is hard to miss.
The water gets its rust red colour from its source; a pool buried 1,300 feet below the surface.
So if you ever find yourself in Italy, Chile, Senegal, Bolivia, California, or even icy Antarctica, be sure to experience the beauty of these natural wonders yourself. Pictures really don’t do them justice.
