The geological history of our planet is full of fascinating events that have led to the most intriguing landscapes of the world today. What’s interesting about that exquisite beauty is that most often it was borne of violent activity, the Earth shifting and colliding with itself to form the natural masterpieces that cover our planet. One of the best examples of this cause and effect is in calderas, which dot the Earth on every continent.
A caldera is typically formed as a result of a volcanic explosion, where the top surface of the volcano completely collapses into itself, leaving a hollow depression. This occurs when the magma chamber is completely emptied during an eruption, and can no longer support the landmass above it. Although the collapse can happen in one violent episode, a caldera can also be created over time through a series of eruptions. There are even some calderas that are formed through massive lava flows, rather than eruptions. No matter how it is formed, the result is virtually the same: a beautiful scar on the Earth that holds poignant clues to the exciting evolution of our world.
Crater Lake – Oregon, USA
Lake Coatepeque – El Salvador
Santorini – Greece
Lake Taupo – New Zealand
Kilauea Caldera – Hawaii, USA
Deception Island – Antarctica
Ngorongoro Crater – Tanzania, Africa
Lake Kussharo – Hokkaido, Japan
Mount Pinatubo – Luzon, Philippines
Laguna del Maule – Chile
Krafla – Iceland
Top image via blinkingidiot
