Basalt Columns in Idaho

August 20, 2007

Basalt_columns

Provided and copyright by: Dale Chadwick
Summary author: Dale Chadwick

A common feature of basalt are four, five, and six-sided columns (these are most common). These columns form as lava cools, and they're found worldwide. Devils Tower in Wyoming and Giant's Causeway in Ireland are notable large-scale examples. The much smaller columns shown above are about 8 inches across (20 cm) and are located along the trail to Elk Creek Falls, in northern Idaho. This area is part of the Columbia Plateau -- one of the largest flood basalts to ever cover a portion of the Earth's surface. Photo taken on May 10, 2007.

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