Question: Though they do not make it to the list of the finalists, yet certain natural wonders have an element of curiosity and interest. For example, the Giant’s Causeway situated in North Ireland is significant from geological aspect. Its layout comprises 32,000 stones which seem to be mechanically cut in hexagonal shape while though arranged in varying heights like a staircase, yet they are laid with a uniform breadth of 46 centimetres. This geometrical layout sprawls in an area of 160 x 180 metres. Quiz: why are they known as Giant’s Causeway?
Giant’s Causeway – Northern Ireland
Answer: A road constructed across a sea or any water body with the ‘help’ of (layers of) stones or rocks is known as a causeway. For example, the Colaba Causeway in Mumbai as well as the ancient bridge known as ‘Ram Setu’ mentioned in Ramayana joining India and Sri Lanka. According to a legend, it was assumed that pre-historic gigantic men had laid the huge sized stones that form the causeway to connect Ireland and Scotland, which gave its name. In reality, they are crystal shaped formations of basalt which were created after the erosion due to rain water.