Basalt Columns - Devil's Pipes!
Posted by: 
cyclops53
N 52° 33.058 W 122° 27.609
10U E 536604 N 5822458
These columns, formed when lava cools quickly, are easily visible from Hwy 97. Formed deep underground, they were made visible through weathering. Park on either side of the highway at the given coordinates! No hiking! Photos only!
Waymark Code: WM18J2W
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Date Posted: 08/08/2023
Views: 1
Photos only! Hiking is not allowed!
During the cooling of a thick volcanic lava flow, fractures form. If a flow cools relatively rapidly, significant contraction forces build up. While a flow can shrink in the vertical dimension without fracturing, it cannot easily accommodate shrinking in the horizontal direction unless cracks form; the extensive fracture network that develops results in the formation of columns. These structures are predominantly hexagonal in cross-section, but polygons with three to twelve or more sides can be observed. The size of the columns depends loosely on the rate of cooling; very rapid cooling may result in very small (<1 cm diameter) columns, while slow cooling is more likely to produce large columns. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia)
These columns cooled and crystallized from the outside first. Then the interior slowly hardened and caused the piece of lava flow to contract.
Waymark is confirmed to be publicly accessible: yes
Requires a high clearance vehicle to visit.: no
Requires 4x4 vehicle to visit.: no
Public Transport available: no
Website reference: [Web Link]
Parking Coordinates: Not Listed
Access fee (In local currency): Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
No specific requirements, just have fun visiting the waymark.
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