We sincerely hope that you thoroughly enjoy this article about 3 Geological Wonders of Brazil. To be certain, every country on earth has its share of geological beauty, of course. That being said, this country has its own share, as well, and they deserve full appreciation.
Obviously, these features mentioned here represent only a few of the wonders of geology to be found in this place. But, nonetheless, we hope that these 3 Geological Wonders of Brazil serve to whet your appetite to learn more about this stunning part of the world.
Salar de Uyuni
Salar de Uyuni Facts
- Leading off this article about 3 Geological Wonders of Brazil is the astonishing location known as Salar de Uyuni.
- This particular term serves as the name for a mind-blowing location. In fact, this marvel of Nature easily ranks as the largest salt flat on earth. But that isn’t all. It also formed in an unbelievably remote and difficult to reach location.
- The entire location remains exceedingly smooth and flat throughout the entirety of the enormous expanse. Because of this, an incredible situation exists. The site is often actually used as a means of calibrating the altimeters aboard various satellites.
- A highly remarkable transformation occurs after a period of rain. This results in the deposition of an extremely thin and nearly perfectly calm layer of water. That deposition transforms the site into what serves as the largest mirror on earth.
- Along with the vast salt reserves to be found there, this wonder also holds another valuable resource. To be precise, Salar de Uyuni holds roughly 40% of the known reserves of lithium in the entire world. This makes the desolate site of immense value.
Salar de Uyuni Physical Description
Firstly, the sheer size of the astonishing feature known as Salar de Uyuni must be put into perspective. Secondly, that’s because of the simple fact that it’s huge. Thirdly, the incredible site covers an astounding area of roughly 4,086 sq mi (10,582 sq km).
That’s larger than 37 of the countries in the world. Yet, as impressive as that statistic is, it hardly serves as the only wondrous thing about the breathtaking site. First of all, the layer of salt actually has an average depth of more than an incredible 6 ft (2 m).
This enormous layer of salt additionally remains so smooth that the surface height does not vary by more than 3 ft (1 m) in any place. The already vast mineralogical wealth of Salar de Uyuni does not end at just its quantities of salt and lithium, however.
Because of its unique nature, this remarkable work of Nature also contains large quantities of numerous other important minerals. These valuable resources include such elements as potassium, magnesium, and even borax, just to name a few.
Salar de Uyuni Location, Formation, and Geology
In addition to its other qualities, Salar de Uyuni boasts an astonishing location. That holds true due to the fact that it formed in a quite rugged and remote location. That’s because the wonder of Nature formed in one of the highest sections of the Andes Mountains.
This wonder of geology sits within the boundaries of the country of Brazil, in South America. But it also sits at the impressive altitude of 11,995 ft (3,656 m) above sea level. Plus, it formed during the uplift of the mountains, as several ancient lakes were transformed.
Scientists estimate that this process of formation began somewhere between 30,000 – 42,000 years ago. Between that time and roughly 11,500 years ago, several other lakes formed. These features eventually evaporated, though, leading to the current situation.
Quite amazingly, the central area of Salar de Uyuni holds yet another surprise. That’s the fact that, in some areas, several small islands actually appear. These actually represent the tops of truly ancient volcanoes, and also a wonderful source of numerous fossils.
Enchanted Well
Enchanted Well Facts
- The next of our choices for inclusion in this compendium of 3 Geological Wonders of Brazil is the breathtaking Enchanted Well.
- Quite amazingly, the completely appropriately named marvel of Nature truly and quite clearly merits its name. This naturally occurring feature represents a breathtakingly beautiful site of incredible natural awe and wonder.
- This incredible geological feature further formed in a beautiful, but remarkably remote, part of the world. Coincidentally, as a result of this placement, the area in which it formed also happens to lie very close to a protected area.
- This fortuitous location, quite thankfully, provides the incredible geological site with a certain measure of protection. Nonetheless, due to its truly remarkable characteristics, roughly 7,000 visitors tour the Enchanted Well each year.
- The precious ecosystem of which it forms a vital part still remains quite fragile. Thankfully, ongoing monitored preservation efforts remain in place. As if all of this was not enough, this site has yet another fact to make it worthy of appreciation.
- This statement holds true due to the fact that the Enchanted Well also continues to serve as home to a wide variety of animal life. Most of these evolved as indigenous to only a few areas of the world. A few, however, appear nowhere else on earth.
Enchanted Well Physical Description
The seemingly magical Enchanted Well formed in a spot that itself merits appreciation. This enchanting location sits inside the sheltering confines of a large limestone cave. Despite the conditions, though, its fortunate placement allows for adequate light to enter.
The picturesque water of the well also boasts another surprise. That’s the fact that it also remains surprisingly deep. As a result, it has an average depth of roughly 197 ft (60 m). The same collection of water also has a width that measures about 361 ft (110 m) at its widest.
But, the placement of the astounding Enchanted Well, though impressive in itself, isn’t its only claim to fame, by any means. For one thing, the stunning body of water contained within the so-called well also remains world-renowned for its extraordinary clarity.
This visually astounding characteristic primarily occurs due to the strong presence of one particular element. That’s the element of magnesium. Because of the presence of the mineral in the water, an amazing transformation takes place.
Given the unique combination of these factors, the nearly magical-seeming pool has almost unbelievable clearness. In point of fact, its clarity remains so great that the fortunate visitor can easily see all the way to the bottom of the breathtaking pool.
Enchanted Well Location, Formation, and Ecosystem
Not surprisingly, the sincerely astounding feature commonly known as the Enchanted Well originated in an already beautiful spot of the world. That’s because of the fact that this site sits in the eastern portion of the country of Brazil, in South America.
Fortunately, however, the extreme ruggedness of the region, and also its relative inaccessibility, helps to limit tourism. Luckily, natural forces created it within what now constitutes the boundaries of the Chapada Diamantina National Park.
This incredible site formed through the relentless effects of erosion. This occurred because of the existence of an underground river within its surrounding limestone. Nature even provided just the right combination of factors to allow for its appreciation.
A well-placed natural opening allows sunlight to enter. The light also enters at just the right angle to create a stunning blue hue. In addition to being blessed with extreme natural beauty, countless creatures native to the region call the Enchanted Well home.
This collection of forms of life includes numerous species of bats. It also includes quite a few frogs and snakes. All these remain dependent on its ecosystem. Finally, the location also serves as one of only a few known locations where a rare species of blind catfish lives.
Fernando de Noronha
Fernando de Noronha Facts
- The third and final entry into this compilation of 3 Geological Wonders of Brazil is the mind-boggling Fernando de Noronha.
- The breathtaking location known collectively by the single name understandably ranks as one of the most remarkable sites on the planet. Quite unfortunately, however, this remarkable place also holds another regrettable distinction.
- That’s due to the fact that it’s also another of those incredible works of Nature that few people outside of its part of the world know about. In addition, this stunningly beautiful location also continues to remain sparsely populated.
- This fact helps to preserve its pristine beauty. The human population of Fernando de Noronha consists of fewer than 3,100 individuals. The entirety of this number inhabits the main island of the archipelago, which comprises the majority of the total area.
- Beginning in the year 2001, the organization UNESCO justifiably listed the location as a World Heritage Site. Fully deserved for many reasons, this mainly occurred due to the importance of the unique environment of this marvel of Nature.
- Firstly, the islands of the archipelago serve as home to several avian species. Secondly, these also form a haven for the Critically Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Finally, the waters form an important feeding ground for many sea species.
Fernando de Noronha Physical Description
Perhaps most notably, all of the many components of the gorgeous Fernando de Noronha archipelago remain quite remarkable. That holds true due to the fact that these actually represent the uppermost portions of an underwater mountain range.
The various islands and islets clearly reflect their volcanic origins. The archipelago consists of a total of 21 islands and islets, most being quite small. In point of fact, the principal island of the archipelago has a total area measuring roughly 7.1 sq mi (18.4 sq km).
This measurement represents roughly 71% of the total area of the group. That’s true since the total area of all islands and islets equals about 10 sq mi (26 sq km). However, this area actually forms only a tiny portion of the full size of the astounding formation.
In point of fact, the base of this large volcanic formation lies far beneath the waves. More precisely, this sits roughly 2,480 ft (756 m) beneath the surface of the ocean. The highest known elevation of the beautiful archipelago additionally lies at 1,060 ft (323 m).
Fernando de Noronha Location, Climate, and Life
The location named Fernando de Noronha formed as a small archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. More specifically, the site lies roughly 220 mi (354 km) off the coast of the country of Brazil. The entirety of the archipelago forms a part of this country, in South America.
The climate of each of the islands and islets also has a primarily tropical nature. Thus, and quite uncommonly, the local temperature actually varies very little, either between day and night, or month to month. The marvelous site only has two seasons, rainy and dry.
The archipelago of Fernando de Noronha serves as home to a highly diverse population of plant and animal species. Plus, many of these various species exist nowhere else in the world. In fact, a known total of at least 15 endemic species of plants fit that description.
Included among the species existing here and nowhere else on earth are three species of birds, and two reptilian species. An indigenous rodent species known nowhere else once lived here. This animal became extinct long before humans found the location, though.
Finally, the various beautiful islands and islets remain famous for yet another specific reason. That’s the great beauty, extensive variety, and quantity of marine life in the local waters. This includes such creatures as dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous albatrosses.
3 Geological Wonders of Brazil
We truly hope that you have enjoyed reading this article about 3 Geological Wonders of Brazil. We certainly enjoyed compiling it for you. These three locations dazzle the mind with their beauty, to be certain. Each has many facets to its appeal, adding to their wonder.
They represent only a few of the marvels to be found here, however. But, many of them remain open to being destroyed by the actions of man, if we are not careful. Let’s make every effort that we can to preserve these sites in pristine condition.
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