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My son
providing a size comparison to the large basalt
rock formation. |
My
first visit to Northern Ireland was in 1992 to
visit my wife's relatives. While I knew I would
be spending much of my time in family gatherings,
I made it clear I did not want to miss seeing the
Giant's Causeway. |
The Giants Causeway:
A few of Northern Ireland's sights:
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Outside Links:
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Photo Above - the middle Causeway, photo was taken during my first visit to Ireland on a relatively sunny day.
The Giant's Causeway is truly one of Nature's Wonders. These polygonal, column like structures, were formed millions (around 60 million) years ago when a volcanic rock flow experienced unusual, rapid, and erratic cooling.
Photo Above - puddles of water collect on the top of the basalt columns. |
It was this cooling process that forced the rock to crack, forming the material into hexagons and pentagons. A process somewhat like (but not the same as) that which forms the polygonal structures sometimes found in dried out mud puddles. |
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| Over the years the cap
rock eroded exposing the basalt columns.
By chance, the columns are next to and
actually extend into the Ocean; providing
a dramatic setting for these polygonal
formations. Since the basalt columns
look like pavers making a pathway into
the sea, many early viewers of the
structure thought it had to be the ruins
of a man made causeway. But, who could
have made such a grand structure? Only
Giants of course.
Photo
Right - As storm clouds gather above us,
my son stands on the Causeway rocks and
peers down to the calm ocean.
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Arriving at the
Giant's Causeway Visitor Center, we decided to
take the guidebook's suggestion and hike the
cliff's face, the upper walk, ....at times I am not
so certain Travel Guides know what they're talking
about.
We had
encountered some wet weather in the early morning
but as we headed out on to the cliff, it looked
like mostly sun heading our way.
Continue to page 2 of the Giant's Causeway |
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