Globally significant volcanic event formed Giant’s Causeway, scientists find
Summary
Scientists have found that the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland was formed about 60 million years ago by intense volcanic activity during a major global event, not from a legendary battle between giants. They also discovered the volcanic activity happened over a shorter time than previously thought and was linked to similar rock formations in Scotland and other parts of the North Atlantic.Key Facts
- The Giant’s Causeway is made of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed when lava cooled and cracked.
- Scientists dated its formation to about 60 million years ago, over 5.5 million years, not 13.5 million as earlier believed.
- Volcanic activity that created the Causeway is connected to similar formations on Staffa, Rùm, Skye, and Greenland.
- This volcanic event was major and had effects recorded across the North Atlantic region.
- The study links lava flows in Northern Ireland directly to those in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
- The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the UK’s great natural wonders.
- Irish folklore attributes the Causeway’s creation to the giant Finn McCool, but science shows volcanic processes formed it.
- The basalt columns are mostly hexagonal due to cooling and contraction of lava, with some having different shapes.
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