Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: blakestyger on 16/06/2008 13:31:45

Title: In the Giant's Causeway, what caused the formation of the hexagons?
Post by: blakestyger on 16/06/2008 13:31:45

The Giant's Causeway in County Antrim in Ireland is made up of quite large hexagonal columns.
Does anybody know why this is so? What aspect of cooling led to this shape and does it in any way reflect the composition of the rock that forms it? That is, does the lattice structure of the tiny crystals affect the gross structure of the formation?
Thanks.

Title: Re: In the Giant's Causeway, what caused the formation of the hexagons?
Post by: paul.fr on 16/06/2008 16:37:15

THIS (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=13574.0) may be of help.

Title: Re: In the Giant's Causeway, what caused the formation of the hexagons?
Post by: JimBob on 17/06/2008 03:31:17

"THIS" in the above post is a link to the explanation.

Title: Re: In the Giant's Causeway, what caused the formation of the hexagons?
Post by: blakestyger on 17/06/2008 09:27:44

Thanks, I joined after the previous question but it's clearer now.

Title: Re: In the Giant's Causeway, what caused the formation of the hexagons?
Post by: JimBob on 17/06/2008 21:55:28

If there are still questions, don't be afraid to ask them. We aim to please!