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In our previous list, Top 10 Amazing Natural Wonders, we highlighted a variety of awe-inspiring locations. This time, we’re featuring wonders that focus more on natural formations and phenomena. Don’t forget to share your own favorites in the comments for others to enjoy – and include links to images if possible.
10. Frozen Circles
An ice circle is a rare and mesmerizing natural occurrence seen in slow-moving waters in frigid climates. These large rotating ice discs form in eddy currents and have been most commonly observed in Scandinavia and North America, with one instance recorded in Britain in January 2009. The phenomenon occurs at bends in rivers where accelerating water creates ‘rotational shear’, detaching chunks of ice and spinning them. As the discs rotate, they smooth and grind against surrounding ice, eventually becoming perfectly circular.
9. Red Tides
Red tide refers to an event more accurately called an algal bloom, where large concentrations of microorganisms accumulate in bodies of water. This phenomenon occurs in estuarine, marine, or freshwater environments, resulting in a discoloration of the surface water. Typically found in coastal regions, when these algae grow in dense clusters, they can turn the water shades ranging from purple to pink, but usually red or green. Not all algal blooms are thick enough to cause this discoloration, and not every discolored water caused by algae blooms is red.
8. Columnar Basalt
Columnar Basalts are striking rock formations created when lava cools quickly. The cooling process causes fractures to form in a random pattern, resembling structures like soap bubbles or organic cells. However, the typical pattern results in six-sided hexagonal columns, giving these formations an uncanny, man-made appearance. One of the most well-known examples of basalt formations is the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, where vertical fractures create polygonal columns, appearing as though they were crafted by human hands.
7. Sun Dogs
A sun dog is a specific type of ice halo, formed by patches of light on either side of the sun, about 22 degrees (or more) away from the sun and at the same height above the horizon. It is one of the most commonly observed ice halos. Sun dogs can appear anywhere around the globe in any season, with sightings in Europe or the USA occurring once or twice a week, though not always brightly visible. They are most noticeable when the sun is low in the sky. It is important to note that sun dogs are not the same as rainbows.
6. Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are large, spherical stones scattered across Koekohe Beach, located along the Otago coastline of New Zealand between Moeraki and Hampden. These remarkable boulders are found either as isolated rocks or in clusters, protected within a scientific reserve. Over time, the wave action and erosion of the local mudstone bedrock often expose individual boulders. What makes the Moeraki Boulders truly unique is their massive size and nearly perfect spherical shape, with two distinct size groups. About one-third of the boulders range from 0.5 to 1.0 meters (1.5 to 3 feet) in diameter, while the remaining two-thirds range from 1.5 to 2.2 meters (4.6 to 6.7 feet), most being almost perfectly round.
5. Penitentes
Penitentes are tall, narrow formations of hardened snow or ice that occur at high altitudes. These icy blades are closely packed and oriented towards the sun. Some penitentes can grow as tall as a person. The phenomenon was first described by Charles Darwin in 1839, who encountered snowfields covered with penitentes near the Piuquenes Pass on March 22, 1835, during his journey from Santiago de Chile to Mendoza, Argentina. Local belief at the time (and still today) suggests that penitentes are created by the strong winds of the Andes.
4. Light Pillars
A light pillar is a stunning visual phenomenon caused by the reflection of light from ice crystals that have near-horizontal, parallel planar surfaces. While most commonly seen as sun pillars, moonlight or even artificial lights such as street lamps can also create light pillars. The effect appears as a column of light that stretches vertically above and/or below the light source. Sun pillars are typically observed when the sun is near the horizon, generally no more than 6 degrees above or below it. [Source]
3. Pink and White Terraces
This is the second entry from New Zealand on our list, though unfortunately, it is the only one that has been lost to time. The Pink and White Terraces were once a natural marvel until they were destroyed by the violent eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886. These terraces were formed by geothermal water rich in siliceous sinter, which spouted from two geysers beside Lake Rotomahana, cascading down a hillside and leaving thick pink and white silica deposits. The White Terraces were the larger and more breathtaking formation, stretching over 3 hectares and descending 30 meters, while the Pink Terraces were a popular bathing spot. These formations were famously referred to as “The Eighth Wonder of the World.” The image above shows people enjoying the warm pools of the terraces. You can see an artist's impression of the terraces in color here.
This article is licensed under the GFDL because it contains quotations from Wikipedia.
2. Cave of the Crystals
The Cave of the Crystals is located in the Naica Mine in Chihuahua, Mexico. This extraordinary cave is home to some of the largest natural selenite crystals ever discovered. The largest of these crystals measures 36 feet long, 13 feet in diameter, and weighs an astonishing 55 tons. The cave itself is 98 feet long and 33 feet wide. The conditions inside are extremely harsh, with temperatures soaring up to 109°F and humidity levels between 90% and 100%. Because of these extreme conditions, the cave remains largely unexplored, as humans can only endure the heat for about ten minutes without specialized protection. As shown in the image above, this cave is one of nature's most breathtaking wonders.
1. Catatumbo Lightning
The Catatumbo Lightning, located in Venezuela, holds the title of being the largest single natural generator of ozone in the world. This extraordinary phenomenon consists of a thunderstorm that creates a voltaic arc at an altitude of over 5 km. It occurs during 140 to 160 nights each year, lasting up to 10 hours a day, with lightning strikes reaching up to 280 times per hour. This spectacular event happens over the marshlands where the Catatumbo River meets Lake Maracaibo. The lightning display can be seen from hundreds of miles away, including from the lake itself, which remains cloud-free at night and is also known as the Lighthouse of Maracaibo. This natural light show allows boats to safely navigate the waters even at night without any issues during their travels.
