Cappadocia, Turkey

Provided by: Mila Zinkova
Summary authors & editors: Jim Foster, Mila Zinkova

The geological formation of the Cappadocia region in the highlands of central Turkey results largely from the eruption of two ancient volcanos, some ten million years ago. Lava and rocks ejected from these volcanoes eventually produced the surface found here today -- an approximately 150-meter deep layer composed mostly of volcanic tuff and ash. Eons of erosion have sculpted the tuff into bizarre chimney or hat-like shapes. Softer, less resistant, layers have long ago succumbed to the effects of wind, frost and rainwater, but the harder remnants observed today, while apparently sturdy, are constantly evolving and many of these curious pillars will disintegrate as their bases weaken.

Related Links:

• The unique geological formation of Cappadocia in Turkey
• Weathering and Erosion
• Pyroclastic Deposits
• Geology and geomorphology of the Cappadocia volcanic Province, Turkey

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