Geochronologists, investigating how the Giant’s Causeway was created, recently discovered it was formed over 5.5m years, 8m years less than previously estimated.
About Giant’s Causeway:
It is located on the coastal edge of the Antrim Plateau in Northern Ireland.
The region consists of 6 kilometers (4 miles) of stepping-stone-like black basalt columns.
Each stone is a curiously distinct polygon or hexagon, with seemingly unnatural straight edges.
The pillars range in height, and shoot up out of the sea, increasing in height until they reach the cliff top.
This stepping stone or stair-like appearance of the area is where the Giant’s Causeway name is thought to have originated, as the columns look much like steps for a giant.
It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
Formation:
The rock and column formations were first formed some 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene Period.
The columns originally formed due to extensive volcanic activity in the area.
Molten basalt rose up through a layer of chalk beds, creating what is known as a volcanic plateau.
The lava then began to cool and contract, which caused fractures and edges within the rock.
As the lava flow continued to cool, it receded, leaving behind tall column shapes.
Because the lava cooled very quickly, it receded a great deal, leaving behind particularly prominent and large columns.
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