Basalt Columns and Am Buachaille - Staffa, Scotland, UK
Posted by: netdust
N 56° 25.924 W 006° 20.393
29V E 664027 N 6257342
The Isle of Staffa has a multitude of mainly hexagonal basalt columns of vulcanic origin, an ensemble of which creates the small offshore island of Am Buachaille.
Waymark Code: WMMJFT
Location: Northern Scotland, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/28/2014
Views: 4
The Isle of Staffa is entirely of vulcanic origin. It has a basement of tuff, then a layer of striking basalt lava column formations followed by an topmost layer of basaltic lava without obvious structure.
The basalt columns were created about 55-58 million years ago when the vulcanic lava slowly cooled down and meanwhile contracted towards a series of equally spaced centres (columnar jointing). The columns are mostly hexagonal, but also fewer or more sides are possible.
The small island Am Buachaille a few meters offshore from Staffa is entirely made from the basalt columns and thus especially impressive. The best times for a visit are during low tide, when the different rock colours can be fully seen.
Staffa can only be reached by boat. Organized boat tours from Mull and Iona are available.
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