If you’ve ever visited or seen photographs of Ireland, you know that this country is teeming with some gorgeous landscapes and coastal areas. And when discussing the scenic coasts of Ireland, you’d be amiss if you skipped over the historic and mind-blowing attraction of the Giant’s Causeway.

This natural wonder – one part gorgeous coastal scenery and one part unique rock formations – truly is a spectacle that defies what you’d expect from traditional parks and areas known for their rock formations.

Every year millions of visitors make their way to Ireland to see the Giant’s Causeway. Historical documentation about the causeway go back all the way to its official discovery in 1693.

And while many people call their own home country’s attractions “The Eighth Wonder of the World” fans of the Giant’s Causeway may be the people who hold the legitimate right to brag about their favorite Irish attraction.

As far as rock formations go, we’ve never seen another one even remotely like this natural Irish masterpiece. So, Empty out your  storage with your climbing gear and set your clock really early and check this place out.

What Makes the Giant’s Causeway Different?

As you already know, the causeway is set on the coasts of Northern Ireland. But it’s the peculiar rock formations themselves that really mark this as a location like no other. Over 40,000 hexagonal shaped rock columns decorate the coastal landscape of the Giant’s Causeway.

The uniform shape of these rocks would almost lead you to believe that they were created by craftsmen or masons. But the truth is much more interesting…

The rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway were created some 60 million years ago.

With one volcanic outpouring following another, the lava from the volcanoes would cool and shape over time to become the magnificent columns that make up this amazing, one-of-a-kind collection of the world’s most enigmatic rock formations.

Being one of the few natural rock formations that you can really get up close and personal with, it’s easy to see why the Giant’s Causeway is such a treasured location.

There are areas where the columns and other formations are huge, but other areas where the basalts have been broken down into “biscuits” which allow you to get very close to take in the majesty of the building blocks that make up this popularly rock formation location.

The basalt columns, chimney stacks and other unique rock formations of the Giant’s Causeway, along with the proliferation of beautiful sea birds and vibrant local plants, all combine to make this natural attraction the most popular in all of Ireland.

The popular kids magazine called Highlights has also featured studies on this formation. It seems these fields of study are popular with kids and adults as well.

And being as the causeway stretches on, mile after mile, along Ireland’s northern coastal areas, the Giant’s Causeway may well be one of the most expansive natural wonders in the world.

The Bungle Bungle Range is one of the most amazing geological formations in all of Australia. If you were to take a helicopter or plane over top of this immersive area, you’d see it as a dangerous, potentially difficult to reach location.

With huge rock mounds that look curiously like beehives, orange and black markings and an outer coating of algae and silica, this is one natural rock formation that seems to defy all the conventional trappings of other mountainous or rock formation locations.

History of the Bungle Bungle Range

The Aboriginal people definitely moved in and around the Bungle Bungle Range over the centuries. At one time, experts agree that the land around the range must have been teeming with wildlife and edible vegetation, especially during the wet seasons.

But until the 1980s most people simply weren’t aware of the outstanding natural beauty encapsulated in this area of Western Australia.

Hard Traveling

Like many places in Australia, when you visit Bungle Bungle Range, you have to be prepared. This is not like a small state park, where you can simply drive up, have a picnic and then roll away for a night at a plush hotel. When exploring Bungle Bungle Range, hard travel conditions are the norm.

There are very few official facilities, so people must carry food, water and other essential items. But even with the bit of extra work involved with camping at Bungle Bungle Range, most people agree that the experience of seeing it firsthand is more than worth any hardships that were endured to get there in the first place.

Seasonal Sightseeing Concerns

For people who do plan on visiting Bungle Bungle Range, there are limitations as to the times when it is available. The park is open only between the months of April and November.

It’s wise for travelers to prepare at least a year in advance, for any camping trips to this truly outstanding rock formation and the surrounding park area.

Rising up to 578 meters above sea level and with rock and woodland areas that stand up to 300 meters, the entire Bungle Bungle Range is one of the world’s best kept secrets.

There really is no other rock formation in the world that compares to the amazing “beehive” rocks that create the harsh beauty of the Bungle Bungle Range. Get all of your traveling gear from your deck box and get going today, you will not be sorry.

The United States definitely has a wide variety of natural wonders. From massive falls and rivers to canyons and other desert attractions, this country really does have a lot of natural sights that are quite impressive.

And while it’s not quite as well known as the Grand Canyon, the Bryce Canyon National Park is one sight that nature lovers should be sure to see.

With sprawling sandstone rock formations, including the infamous Southwestern US Hoodoos, the Bryce Canyon National Park may be one of the most breathtaking sights in the world.

Bryce Canyon National Park: Where is it?

To get to the Bryce Canyon National Park, you have to swing by the great state of Utah. Sitting at a higher elevation level than the better known Zion National Park, the Bryce Canyon National Park is approximately 35,835 acres of splendid, nearly untouched natural rock formations.

The Hoodoos – which are tall, narrow rock protrusions – make up the bulk of the most impressive rock formations found in the park. And with all the surrounding landscape being made from gorgeous, red/yellow sandstone, this area stands out with a beauty that makes it a truly unique rock formation park.

The People of Bryce Canyon National Park

In addition to the natural splendors of Bryce Canyon National Park, there is a rich historical and cultural significance to this area as well.

The Bryce area was first settled by Mormon settlers in the 1800’s. But long before that time, Native American people did live in this area.

In fact, some anthropologists suggest that Native Americans lived in and around Bryce Canyon National Park up to 10,000 years ago.

With the unique mix of long ago Native American culture, the “discovery” of this area by Mormon settlers, and the ensuing development of Utah as a state, the Bryce Canyon National Park offers some unique cultural lessons and historical establishments that are often almost as interesting to visitors as the actual park is.

With its one-of-a-kind blend of gorgeous, sandstone rock formations and a rich historical and cultural significance in the area, the Bryce Canyon National Park really does stand out as one of the most amazing natural locations in the world. If you head West to see other popular natural attractions, don’t neglect visiting the Bryce Canyon National Park on your trip.

When you think about rock formations in Egypt, your mind might wander to the man-made pyramids that are such a popular tourist destination. But Egypt has another area that hosts some rock formations of the nature-made variety – the White Desert.

And while we certainly can’t take anything away from the majesty of the pyramids, we do still consider the White Desert to be one of the most magical, awe inspiring sights that Egypt has to offer.

 Rock Formations Galore

If you’ve ever seen some of the popular rock formations in the world, you know that they can run the gamut when it comes to size and shape. The White Desert is no exception to that rule.

With a wide variety of pale formations, including monoliths, mushroom shaped formations, rocks that look like huge ice cream cones and everything in between, it seems that every way you turn in the White Desert gives your eyes something new to focus on.

And being as the formations aren’t crowded up against one another, it really sets each one apart as a unique, attention-worthy formation.

Where did the White Desert Come From?

Being as the majority of desert areas in Egypt are of the yellow/brown sand variety, people often wonder how this white colored area, with the amazing rock formations appeared.

And while no one can say for sure, geologists believe that this area was once not a desert at all, but was actually a sea bed. The formations of white rocks and sand are a result of the salt water and marine life drying up over the centuries.

Regardless of how the White Desert came into existence, there’s no denying its place in the annals of history as one of the most amazing, naturally occurring rock formations in the world. Most visitors prefer to take a guided tour to the White Desert and spend the night camping on sight.

This allows people to experience both the desert sunset and sunrise in a location that is like no other place in the world.

For people who pride themselves on visiting the most captivating, magical places on Planet Earth, there’s no doubt that a visit (preferably an overnight camping excursion) to the White Desert of Egypt is one of those journeys that should be taken if it is at all possible.

There simply aren’t any other rock formation parks in the world that can compare with what people see when they visit the White Desert.

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Many people in China call the Shilin Stone Forest, the first natural wonder of the world. And all it takes is a glimpse at this amazing rock formation to understand why so many people travel across the world to see this natural rock formation with their own two eyes.

With towering limestone formations that range from just a few feet to dozens of feet high, the Shilin Stone Forest is one of the most accessible of all the famous rock formations in the world.

The Legend of Shilin Stone Forest

Any time an area captures the imagination of people, you can be sure that there is a legendary story to explain that location’s magic.

In China, there is a lovely story that explains the beginnings of the Shilin Stone Forest.  Behind the legend is a story of a beautiful girl named Ashima.

After being refused the permission to marry the love of her life, she turned to stone in the forest that is her namesake.

This story has been told for thousands of years, and certainly adds to the attraction and allure of the Shilin Stone Forest.

What is the Shilin Stone Forest?

Some people have wondered whether the Shilin Stone Forest rock formations are petrified trees or some other type of naturally occurring rock formations.

As is usually the case with naturally forming rock towers, experts believe that this area may have been covered in caves millions of years ago. The rock formations are actually stalagmites that grew up from the cave floors.

At some point in time, the cave walls and ceiling collapsed, leaving only the rock formations and the debris of the caves as evidence of what once existed.

The Sub-Divisions of the Shilin Stone Forest

• Greater & Lesser Stone Forests Naigu Stone Forest
• Zhiyun Cave
• Lake Chang
  
• Lake Yue
  
• Dadie Waterfall
  
• Qifeng Cave
  

Shilin Stone Forest – You Have to See it to Believe it

Regardless of how the Shilin Stone Forest was formed, visitors to this rock formation continue to call it one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in the world.

Spanning well over 140 square miles and divided into several, distinct areas and attractions, it’s easy to see why the Shilin Stone Forest is still considered the first of the natural wonders of the world.

Of all the beautiful rock formations in the world – and there are thousands of them that will literally blow your mind – Tsingy de Bemaraha in Madagascar has to rank as the most odd, and breathtakingly bizarre of them all.

Many people call this awe-inspiring rock formation a forest of rock. And that is really what it looks like from either a birds eye view or from within the depths of this amazing rock formation.

The Origins of Tsingy de Bemaraha

One look at the towering limestone pillars that make up the rock forest known as Tsingy de Bemaraha is enough to make you wonder just how these stone giants came to be. And the back story is really quite impressive.

For millions of years, caves covered the surface of this location. Towering rock formations grew from the ground up – as they do in many caves.

But at some point in time the ceiling of the caves collapsed; leaving acres of the pillars jutting from the ground.

Over the centuries forest greenery grew up in, around and on the pillars; making Tsingy de Bemaraha even more of a sight to behold.

In the native language of Madagascar, Tsingy means “the place where no one can walk barefoot,” alluding to the jagged spikes and treacherous surroundings of this truly unique location.

Visiting Tsingy de Bemaraha

As you can imagine, seeing Tsingy de Bemaraha for yourself is something quite astonishing. However, the park that houses Tsingy de Bemaraha isn't a place where you simply wander out for a bit of sightseeing on your own.

Due to the often dangerous terrain that makes up Tsingy de Bemaraha, you do need to have a park guide leading you through every step of your journey. There are even areas where you'll need to be harnessed for safety.

But nearly every visitor says that the safety precautions were well worth the effort, when the payoff was getting to visit this amazing rock formation deep in the heart of Madagascar.

One-of-a-Kind Rock Formation

If seeing the most amazing sights in the world, and nature's amazing rock formations are your cup of tea, a trip to Madagascar to see Tsingy de Bemaraha firsthand should definitely be a part of your bucket list.

Interests That Can Lead to a Variety of Careers

Having a healthy interest in geology or geography is a positive focus. Children and teens who express such an interest should be encouraged as career choices evolving from either of these fields abound.

The opportunities are endless, ranging from a career as an archaeologist, to working as someone studying the geology of other planets. Geological and Geographical pursuits can lead to an exciting career.

Both fields of study can be classified under environmental science. The fields are related, but not the same, despite the fact that many people get them mixed up.

For those who are interested in this field there are many online web sites dedicated to both or either of these fields of study. Numerous books, videos, materials, and activities are geared to this interest.

There are even online activities focus entirely on these studies and their relation to fun activities such as geocaching.

Geocaching is fun and exciting. Parents and teachers have been utilizing geocaching to initiate an interest in geology and geography for students for some time now because it’s effective.

Geocaching involves students in a virtual treasure hunt involving a gps or smartphone tracking a treasure cache.Those involved in geocaching have so much fun that they aren’t aware that they are actually having learning while having fun.

Geocaching is more appropriate for teens but there are numerous sites dedicated to garnering interest in geology and geography for young kids.

In fact, numerous sites sport sections that are dedicated to both studies that are also connected. Many of the assigned activities are interrelated.

Geological & Geographical Careers

There are numerous geological career choices available for individuals interested in this field. Here are a few interesting jobs that could be pursued:

• Environmental Geologist
  
• Engineering Geologist
  
• Writer
  
• Environmental Law

Salaries vary but in most cases the fields offer ample room for advancement and fairly large salaries for entry level workers.

The same concepts can be applied to Geographical Careers. While not as high paying for entry level positions there is still a great deal of growth in the related industries as well as a wide latitude in actual career  focuses.

             Here are a few examples:

1.              Cartographer
   

2.              Park Ranger
   

3.              GIS Specialist
   

4.              Urban Planner

Anyone choosing either of these fields will have the ability to choose whatever direction they would like to focus their interests on. Geology and geography offer an appeal for individuals focused on differing interests.

For those interested in geographical or geological pursuits it would be wise to explore all available options prior to pursuing any specific angle. There are numerous rewarding careers in these fields. If college presents problems for you then you could possible still work outside in the HVAC field. You can make a good living from hvac and it is rewarding in its own ways. From the duct work to fixing an a/c unit this career is solid. Air conditioning in Haughton, LA could keep a couple of trucks running all summer due to the rapidly growing economy there.

Minor Lessons in Geography and Geology for Kids and Their Parents

Nearly every child has pondered the concept of digging a tunnel to China, or some other far off place. Children’s literature is filled with this concept.

The idea is fun, and it provides a method for teachers and parents to engage children in learning about Geology and Geography without realizing they are.

It would be fairly easy to incorporate a story or movie about this concept with maps and lesson plans. Simple discussions could also yield teachable moments for parents and their children. The opportunities for learning, utilizing these teaching tools, are exponential.

An interest in either of these fields could lead to a career in the environmental sciences. Geological studies are profitable for learners as well, as a career in geology offers huge financial rewards even in an entry level position.

Interest in these fields should be encouraged using the following methods:

1.    Talk to your child about their interest in Geology or Geography. Kids are smart; they notice things they hear on the news, or things they read. Discuss this with your child; you’ll be surprised to discover your child probably knows more than you believe they do.

2.    Pursue a hobby or interest that involves either of these fields. Let your child observe you, and participate as desired.

3.    Share a love for reading on geological or geographical subjects. Read to your children regularly.

4.    Expose your child to their interests in the form of educational fun trips. Engaging in activities such as geocaching, and participating in archaeological digs could be very exciting for children of all ages.

5.    Play with your kids. Engage in thinking games with your children, you’ll be glad you did. You’ll both enjoy learning more about geography and geology by having fun together.

6.    Always remember that you are your child’s best teacher. No one will ever be able to replace you in your child’s life. Your child learns the best when the information is provided by you, the parent. You can never have enough information about anything, from hard work how to's like flooring to book smarts. A good example is how my brother taught his two boys about flooring installation Shreveport / Bossier City, LA. Todd stills installs any kind of floors in his spare time for extra money nad even bought his wife a diamond ring from this side job, they live in the Shreveport / Bossier City area.

7.    Never forget to provide free time for your child. Learning is important, but having down time is necessary. No one can spend 24 hours a day participating in activities and stuffing their heads full of information. Sooner or later overload will occur. Take time to play, just for the sake of having fun.

8.    Experts agree that the sooner you begin working with your child on educational goals, the better it is for your child.

Fostering learning and development of the mind at an early age is beneficial for the parent child relationship and for learning in general.

Lessons about geography and geology can begin as early as age two and continue throughout the time your child remains under your roof.

Even if you’re late in beginning, engaging your child in learning activities is beneficial, just remember to make it less work and more fun, especially if you’re trying to work with teens add a few travel phrases to help them associate it with location of the landmark you trying to get them to remember.

9.    Let your child know that you believe that learning is important. Support your child’s interests, and participate in educational activities with them.

Saying they should do well in school, and participating in their school related activities are two different things. Children respond to example better than words. You should show your children that you believe in the importance of a good education.

The primary difference between these two studies is that geology is a science focused on how the land became the way it is now, while geography deals with the overall shape of the land.

However both of them do deal with the land and land formations. Studies have been made that back the scientific relative formation guidelines 100% and they are the most current on record.

Basically geological study pertains to what materials the ground is made from. It is a science that deals with a natural perspective of the land, what rocks a particular area contains and how the rocks got there.

Conversely geography deals with the measurements and mapping of landforms, the distance from rivers, lengths of mountain ranges and how long the existing coastline is.

In other words, both disciplines are two branches of study dealing with two separate subjects. One is the study of the Earth’s formation while the other is the study of the topography of the Earth.

Geological Studies

Will include studying land formations in both solid and liquid forms. The science deals with the Earth’s composition from its crust, to its physical and structural components. Scientific inquiry about the composition in the planet is fully within this realm.

Geography deals primarily with the topography of the earth’s atmosphere, its climate, weather, volcanoes etc. The study deals with positions of land and structures in different areas, countries, and continents. Climates that prevail in countries, or zones of weather, are covered extensively, and in great detail in this type of study.

It also deals with physical shapes of specific parcels and sections of land, rivers, mountains, and more. The science deals with the amount of distance a river covers, how far an ocean spreads, the distance a particular mountain range covers, and other similar facts. It also pertains to mapping landforms and gives us ample information regarding landforms.

Engineering is Just Relative

Geological studies are closely related to engineering while geography isn’t involved with engineering at all. Geology involves studying various rocks and minerals gleaned from the crust of the earth. Natural phenomenon such as volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and their creation, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and more are all studied under the science of geography.

Both sciences deal directly with the Earth as the primary focus in the study. It’s just that different aspects of the earth itself are studied in each of these sciences. The studies could be considered closely related but with differing primary focuses.

Even the names of the scientists involved in these studies have been confusing to people. A geologist is a scientist dealing with geological studies, while a geographer is an individual that deals with geological studies.