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Basaltic Prisms

In the farthest northwestern part of Iran along the border with Turkey, 25 km from Maku city (West Azerbaijan province), there is a natural phenomenon resulting from the internal activities of the earth that amazes the eyes of every viewer.

 

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The basalt rock pillars in the shape of a prism, left over from the activities of the third geological period (Cenozoic period), have created a magical landscape. Local people call these pillar-like prisms "Snake Valley".

 

The Structure of the Columns

As mentioned, these columns were formed due to the slow cooling process of flowing lava from the eruption of Mount Ararat volcano. Ararat volcano contains molten basalt stones (low viscosity) which cool quickly upon contact with air and start to freeze from the lower layers in a hexagonal shape. For this reason, the prisms of the lower row are more regular than the upper row. Although this phenomenon can be seen in different parts of the world, none of them is as orderly and beautiful as the Maku basalt prisms.

Tips about Visiting Prisms

Because these rocks are located along the river, and you have to cross the river to visit them, it is better not to visit the area during the rainy seasons. If you can reach the top of the rocks, you will have a view of the vast plains, which have been the battlefield between the Iranian and Ottoman armies for years.

 

Tags: West Azerbaijan Province, nature, Basaltic Prisms, Iran Natural Attractions, Basaltic Prisms in Iran

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