Blue sky view of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean from a wave-cut basalt platform with grassy knoll, Chiloe Island, Chile

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The volcanic rocks of the Ancud Volcanic Complex consist of basaltic and andesitic lava flows with sub-vertical columnar joints, due to rapid cooling and cracking at temperatures below 120 C. They are of Upper Oligocene-Lower Miocene, being formed approximately 20 million years ago, during the Cenozoic Era. They outcrop on the Pacific Coast of Chiloe Island, to the west of Ancud, where the 'columnar joints' are exposed to sea-wave attack. Abrasion or the scraping action of sea waves, hurling rocks at the cliff, and the hydraulic pressure of sea waves, hitting the cliff with an explosive punch of compressed air, exploit lines of weakness, over time, forming caves and, ultimately, wearing the land down to sea-level.

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Size: 4219px × 2750px
Location: Ancud Volcanic Complex, Mar Brava, Peninsula Lacuy, Pacific Coasl, Chiloe Island, Chile
Photo credit: © robert harrison / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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