Columnar Basalt of Meshgin Shahr

Meshgin-shahr in northwest Iran is home to a remarkable natural wonder known as Columnar Basalt. This geological formation is distinguished by its distinctive columns, resembling vertical structures. The phenomenon occurs when lava flows from volcanic eruptions cool and contract.

The rapid cooling of basaltic lava results in shrinkage and cracking, which gives rise to a network of interconnected vertical columns. These columns typically exhibit a hexagonal shape, although their sizes and shapes can vary. They can reach impressive heights, ranging from a few meters to tens of meters, and can be found in close proximity or with some spacing between them.

The columnar basalt forms as the lava cools outward from the edges toward the center. This cooling process causes contraction and fracturing along paths of least resistance. Consequently, the resulting columns showcase a regular, geometric pattern that reflects the natural tendency of basalt to fracture in such a manner during the cooling process.

Columnar basalt formations can be observed in different parts of the world, such as the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Devil’s Tower in the United States, Fingal’s Cave in Scotland, and the Organ Pipes National Park in Tasmania, Australia.

Autor: Syed Afrasiyab Hassan