Columnar basalt along the edge of the Bras de la Plaine River on the island of Reunion. More basalt is in the Earth’s crust than any other rock and oceanic hotspots, such as Reunion, are primary locations for basalt to occur. The Bras de la Plaine runs through the basalt plateau between the two volcanoes that form the oval-shaped island. The western volcano, Piton des Neiges (“Snow Peak”), has been dormant for 12,000 years. The eastern end of the island is dominated by the shield volcano Piton de la Fournaise (“Furnace Peak”), one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. More than 40% of the island is part of the Reunion National Park and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List of significant places. Photo taken July 14, 2011. Credit: Vincent Dunogue, Stu Witmer. (via EPOD)
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Columnar basalt along the edge of the Bras de la Plaine River on the island of Reunion. More basalt is in the Earth’s crust than any other rock and oceanic hotspots, such as Reunion, are primary locations for basalt to occur. The Bras de la Plaine runs through the basalt plateau between the two volcanoes that form the oval-shaped island. The western volcano, Piton des Neiges (“Snow Peak”), has been dormant for 12,000 years. The eastern end of the island is dominated by the shield volcano Piton de la Fournaise (“Furnace Peak”), one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. More than 40% of the island is part of the Reunion National Park and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List of significant places. Photo taken July 14, 2011. Credit: Vincent Dunogue, Stu Witmer. (via EPOD)

Fuente: epod.usra.edu

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