1. Glass Mountain
Located in Larnaca, Cyprus, Glass Mountain is a peculiar geological formation resembling a giant glass shard. The area gets its distinctive appearance due to the accumulation of tiny glass particles from ancient volcanic eruptions. It's estimated that about 70 million tons of volcanic ash contain up to 30% glass particles. This phenomenon is known as 'vitrinite,' and experts suggest it may have started around 11,000 years ago.
2. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Pillars
In Hunan, China, these towering limestone pillars are the inspiration behind Disney's Avatar-inspired 'Hallelujah Mountains.' These natural wonders were formed through erosion over millions of years as the softer rock was worn down by water and wind currents. Each pillar stands between 20 to 45 meters (66 to 148 feet) tall and can reach widths up to 10 meters (33 feet). The formation's unique shape has made it a popular destination for hikers.
3. The Devil's Chimneys
Situated in the Wigan area of Lancashire, England, these chimneys of limestone and sandstone create an eerie landscape resembling the mouths of fantastical cave beasts. Their unusual shapes developed as a result of karst processes involving ground water dissolution and mechanical weathering over millions of years. The formation measures approximately 3 kilometers long with several small caverns along its course.
4. Hang Son Doong Cave
As the world's largest cave by volume, it is found in central Vietnam within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was first discovered in 1990 but became more accessible in 2009 following increased tourist interest and infrastructure development. The sheer scale of this underground wonder – encompassing an area larger than the Maldives – makes it one's most notable geographical surprise.
5. The Red Beach at Panjin, China
Not exactly a geological formation per se, however its colors, shape, and unique conditions create an otherworldly scene unlike any found elsewhere on Earth. This natural spectacle occurs in the town of Panjin with water turning bright red from phytoplankton each autumn. A habitat of vital importance to local bird species and dragonflies, seasonal changes are crucial to its development.