Because of ancient volcanic eruptions and years of extreme wind erosion, Cappadocia—a region in central Turkey—resembles my imagination's perception of a Martian landscape. The strange rock formations, often referred to as fairy chimneys, are the result of a complicated recipe of occurrences. As my overly confident tour guide attempted to explain the sequence of events leading up to Cappadocia's unique appearance, I tried to follow his stick-drawn diagram in the sand.
My summary of his explanation is that the area contains three layers of rock: basalt, ash, and lava. Extreme differences in the thickness of each layer (basalt is the hardest while ash is the softest) is a major contributing factor for the formations' strange appearances. As water creates cracks in the layers, the rock breaks off at different points. Over time, wind and water erosion shape the rock into peaks, or chimneys. Yes, something like that...
Regardless of whether or not you know the technicalities, the Cappadocia region is an interesting natural phenomenon. And, like most things, knowing the answer takes away from some of its mystery.
Exteriors
Interiors
Years ago, the rock formations were used by entire communities as homes, churches, and schools.
1 comments:
They look like termite mounds on the outside.
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