Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla facts for kids
The Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla are amazing natural rock formations in Hidalgo, Mexico. They look like giant stone columns standing tall in a deep valley. Water from the San Antonio Dam flows through this valley, adding to the beautiful scenery. This special place was once part of a large estate called the Santa María Regla Hacienda. A famous explorer, Alexander von Humboldt, helped make it known to the world in 1803.
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What Are Basaltic Prisms?
Basaltic prisms are unique rock shapes. They are formed from basalt, a type of volcanic rock. These columns are created when hot lava cools down very slowly. As the lava cools, it shrinks and cracks. These cracks form patterns, often with five or six sides, creating the prism shape.
How They Formed
Imagine hot, melted rock (lava) flowing out of a volcano. When this lava spreads out and starts to cool, it doesn't just turn solid. It cools very slowly and evenly. This slow cooling causes the rock to shrink. As it shrinks, it cracks in a very organized way. These cracks form tall, straight columns, much like pencils standing upright. The Basaltic Prisms of Santa María Regla are a perfect example of this natural process.
Exploring the Prisms
The canyon walls here are called the Barranca de Santa María Regla. These walls are covered with thousands of these amazing columns. Each column can be between 30 and 50 meters (about 98 to 164 feet) tall. Most of them have five or six sides, making them look like giant natural crystals.
Waterfalls and Scenery
The area is also home to two beautiful waterfalls. The higher waterfall gets extra water from nearby dams, making it even more impressive. The lower waterfall is known as the Cascada de la Rosa. The sound of the rushing water combined with the towering rock columns creates a truly unforgettable sight.
Visiting the Site
To make it easier for visitors to see these wonders, the natural canyon has been improved. There are stairs, walkways, and even hanging bridges. These additions allow you to get up close to the prisms and enjoy the stunning views safely. It's a great place to learn about geology and enjoy nature.
See also
- Columnar jointing
- In Spanish: Prismas basálticos de Santa María Regla para niños
