Stone formation like those found at Cape Stolbchaty, on Kunashir Island, seem almost impossible to explain as natural creations. As a matter of fact, this is volcanic activity at its finest. Cape Stolbchaty is located in the Sakhalin region east of Kunashir Island. The structure is composed of layers of basaltic lava from the Mendeleev volcano with well-defined columnar jointing.
This area is famous for its columnar basalt formations, which resemble the popular Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. It is believed that it was created by the eruption of the Tyatya volcano millions of years ago, and it still retains its pristine features with beautiful disc reefs. An impressive stretch of disc rocks surrounds the inclined rapid structure.
Volcanic rocks are gradually destroyed by erosion, creating spectacular cliffs up to 40-50 meters high.Many rock columns make up this natural wonder, which sometimes crashes down and breaks apart, forming piles resembling firewood. Normally, they form when basaltic lava up-wells underground without breaking the surface. These long multi-sided columns form when molten rock is insulated and has a long time to cool.
The columns become visible as the ground wears away above the formation. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basalt columns date back 50 million years. Visitors can observe small pentagons inside the larger pentagons at the top of the stone pillars. This is as if nature arranged them this way.
Traditional geologists believe its formation might be the result of lava structures. However, visitors come from different parts of Russia, and locals who live nearby doubt this and call them artificial.In prehistoric times, they belonged to some unidentified people. According to some new-agers, these structures may have been used by a technologically advanced civilization that existed before the flood of the Bible.
The exclusive and scenic landscape of Cape Stolbchaty makes it a popular tourist destination. Besides the volcanic formations of Cape Stolbchaty, you might also want to see The Giant’s Causeway and Garni Gorge.
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