Elements in nature like wind, water, pressure, minerals and heat shape our environment on a daily basis. Here are a couple of sight which have been molded in this way to create strange or unlikely natural wonders:
Travertine Pools at Pamukkale, Turkey
For thousands of years, these pools have been known to have a healing effect on the human body. The 17 subterranean hot springs have a very high concentration of calcium carbonate, which harden over time resembling a fountain made of chalk. Tourists flock here every year to experience this little bit of magic.
Lake Retba, Senegal
Known as the Pink Lake, this beautiful waterbed in Senegal is one of the world’s strangest natural wonders. The pink hue is actually caused by a type of algae, called Dunaliella salina, which grows in these waters. The salt content here is so high that it can sometimes even reach 40 percent. This allows the algae to thrive (and you to float without a care in the world on the surface.) Locals work long hours here to harvest the salt from the lovely pink water.
Marble Caves, Chile
Near Chile’s border with Argentina you’ll find this breathtaking wonder of nature. After years and years of wave erosion, these caves with their marbleized effect were created. The beauty of these caves are enhances (even more) by the gorgeous blue and green waters of the Carrera Lake which surround it. Paradise? I think so.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Over 30,000 years ago a prehistoric lake dried up leaving only a never-ending array of white hexagonal tiles, which stretch as far as the eye can see. This area provides about 25,000 tons of salt annually to local miners. Adventurous tourists must stay at the Palacio de Sal, a hotel made entirely from salt blocks.
Photos via Flickr