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Monsieur Ralph

1 week ago • •

Monsieur Ralph
1 week ago • •

#silentsunday #AlwaysReadTheAltText

Europe’s tallest and most perfectly shaped earth pyramids are to be found on the Renon mountain. Those pictured here are in the gorge of the Finsterbach creek between Longomoso and Monte di Mezzo, South Tirol, Italy.

Earth pyramids consist of cone-shaped pillars formed by deposited clay and a boulder on top - they often form rather bizarre shapes, and tend to be shrouded in mystery. But there is an explanation for their existence. Earth pillars started forming from moraine clay soil left behind after the last Ice Age when the glaciers of the Valle d'Isarco covering the valley melted away. In dry condition the soil is hard as stone, but, as soon as it rains, it turns into a soft muddy mass, starts sliding, and so forms 10 to 15-meter-steep slopes. Through additional rainfall, these slopes will erode. However, where there are rocks in the muddy mass, the clay soil underneath these rocks stays protected from the rain. So, while the surrounding material is continually carried off with the weather, the protected pillars literally rise out of the ground to form majestic earth pyramids.

The image depicts a rugged earthen formation characterized by sharp, towering spires of earth, partially covered by green and autumn-colored trees. Some large boulders rest atop the spires, enhancing the dramatic landscape.

#silentsunday #alwaysreadthealttext

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