Where would you find these geological wonders? – quiz answers
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Version 0 of 1. 1. Cave of Crystals (Cueva de los Cristales), Naica, Chihuahua state, MexicoDiscovered in 2000 by miners working the Naica mine, these giant natural selenite crystals are some of the largest ever found, measuring up to 11 metres long and lying almost 1,000ft (300 metres) below the surface. They are rarely visited due to extreme temperatures and high humidity in the caves. 2. Mount Roraima, Gran Sabana, Canaima national park, VenezuelaThe tallest of the Pakaraima chain of tabletop or tepui mountains rises 400 metres (1,300 ft) up and is sacred to the region's indigenous people. Located on the borders of Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil, most travellers hike up from the Venezuelan side. They are rewarded with stunning views, unique plants, crystal pools and waterfalls. 3. Chocolate Hills, Bohol, PhilippinesThe green grass growing on these 1,260 or so hills turns brown in the dry season, giving them their name. 4. Salar de Uyuni, Altiplano, BoliviaThe world's largest salt flat on the Bolivian altiplano stretches over 12,000 sq km (4,633 sq miles) at an altitude of 3,653m (11,985 ft) above sea level. In the rainy season the wet flats reflect the sky creating a seamless mirage between sky and land. Visitors can explore the flats on guided 4x4 tours. 5. Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), Ischigualasto Provincial Park, ArgentinaThis lunar-like, desert landscape of rock formations, carved out by wind and water, dates back to the Triassic period and some of the world's oldest dinosaurs have been unearthed here. On the "Bowling Field" (pictured) strange polished spheres of rocks lie scattered on the ground. 6. Great Blue Hole, BelizeDivers are drawn to this circular underwater sinkhole in the Belize barrier reef to swim among marine stalactites up to 15m long within the 400m diameter hole. The site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top diving sites in the world. 7. Giants Causeway, County Antrim, Northern IrelandYou can see how these impressive basalt columns leading down to the Atlantic Ocean got their name and inspired the legend that they were built by giants. 8. Antelope Canyon, Arizona, USThis photogenic slot canyon carved out by wind and water erosion lies near Page on a Navajo tribal park. The Navajo tribe run guided tours through the canyon. 9. Travertine terraces of Pamukkale, TurkeyThese beautiful terraces north of Denizli, are created by mineral deposits from the hot springs, and have attracted bathers for thousands of years – the Romans built the spa city of Hierapolis here, bathing in the calcium-rich water. Today, swimming is prohibited to protect this Unesco world heritage site. 10. Tsingy de Bemaraha national park, the Stone Forest of MadagascarRare and unique species thrive in this almost impenetrable habitat of jagged limestone needles and canyons. Visitors can explore the national park on treks, walking above the forest on hanging bridges. |