Architecture Adrenaline
Promoting Freedom for Creative Architecture
Nature is full of wonders, and engineering constructions in nature have never ceased to amaze us. From natural bridges to unusual formations and even houses made of living trees, these creations represent some of the most remarkable aspects of nature. The following are the top 10 most unusual engineering constructions in nature that will leave you in awe.
Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant's Causeway is a natural wonder that looks completely man-made. It is a massive area that features about 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns that appear to be created by human hands. According to legend, the causeway is the result of a fight between two giants, but scientifically, it is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.
The living root bridges in Meghalaya, India have been constructed by the Khasi tribe for over 500 years. They have created unique bridge-like structures, which are made of the roots of rubber trees. Over time, the roots have grown and intertwined, creating a solid pathway that can support the villagers crossing a river with ease.
Cenotes are natural sinkholes that occur as a result of the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing crystal clear underground water bodies beneath. These naturally occurring wonders can be found scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. The cenotes were used by the Mayans for important ritual ceremonies as they believed that they were portals to the underworld.
The Wave is located in Arizona, USA, and is an unusual rock formation, which is shaped by wind and water erosion. The rocks that form the wave appear to be perfectly placed, forming an almost surrealistic natural masterpiece.
The Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent natural construction that stretches for over 2300 km along the east coast of Australia. It is made up of over 2900 individual reefs, which are separated by deep channels that run parallel to the coastline. It provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of marine creatures and is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
The Meteora Monasteries are located on top of towering sandstone pillars that rise high into the sky. These monasteries were constructed in the 11th century and have been used by monks as religious retreats for centuries. They were built at a great height to ensure their residents could evade invaders, and there are currently six active monasteries that remain open to the public to this day.
The Namib Desert in Southern Africa is famous for its unique fairy circles. This natural wonder consists of large circles of bare sand lined by tufted grass. The cause of these circles is still not fully understood, but scientists believe it's due to the self-organization of surrounding vegetation patterns in response to termite activity and rainfall.
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing tall at an elevation of 8848m above sea level. It was formed as a result of the collision of the Indian and Eurasian continental plates, which has gradually thrust the Himalayas upward over millions of years.
The Blue Hole of Belize is a unique geologic formation that is approximately 300m in diameter and 125m deep. It is a stalactite-filled sinkhole formed by the collapse of a limestone cave in the sea. The Blue Hole is a popular diving site and home to a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks and the Caribbean reef shark.
Blood Falls in Antarctica is a natural wonder that looks like a gushing red waterfall, but is, in fact, an iron-rich brine that flows from a subglacial lake. The red color is due to a high concentration of iron oxides, giving it the appearance of an unsettling blood-like color.
Nature's engineering constructions have been created as a response to various environmental factors, including geologic, climatic, and biotic influences.
Some of the benefits of natural constructions include their sustainability, compatibility with the surrounding environment, and their ability to serve as habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species.
All of the natural constructions we've discussed have something unique and special about them. Each one contributes to the beauty and diversity of the natural world in its way, making it impossible to pick just one as the most remarkable.
