Türkiye showcases rare pentagonal basalt rocks

The pentagon-shaped basalt rocks in the Kaynarca Stream Valley (Türkiye) attract attention with their appearance and natural formation.

The columns, approximately 35–40 meters high, are believed to have formed millions of years ago as a result of volcanic activity along the Varto fault and are considered among rare geological structures, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Muș Alparslan University Disaster Management Application and Research Center Director, Dr. İskender Dölek, who conducted research in the area where the basalt columns are located, told Anadolu Agency that these formations should be protected as geological heritage and could also serve tourism.

“This area should be declared a protected site”

Noting that the ecological diversity in the area makes the valley highly valuable, Dölek continued:

“While developing this area for tourism, it must also be arranged with protection-oriented approaches. This place will provide significant benefits to local residents. It should not be considered only for tourism. When evaluated together with the Varto fault zone, the Leylekdağı segment, and the region’s seismicity, this valley is one of the key and important points in terms of tectonic and volcanic features. We believe that, besides being a touristic destination, it is also an important reference point for Earth sciences. Many conservation-focused projects to be developed here will support rural development alongside tourism.”

Dölek stated that there are various examples of basalt formations in Turkey and around the world: “This structure resembles the formations known as the ‘Giant’s Causeway’ in Scotland. What sets this place apart, however, is the rich ecological diversity it offers. Near Ankara’s Kızılcahamam, there are geosites formed by basalt columns that have been incorporated into tourism. This area has at least as much potential.”

Explaining how the basalt columns formed, Dölek added:

“The shape of these basalts is related to their following weak fault zones along the Leylekdağı segment as they rose to the surface. They are usually hexagonal, but here the structure developed mostly in pentagonal form. As the basalt cooled, cracks or fractures formed. The Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism should submit this location to the Natural Assets Preservation Board so it can be declared a protected site. This area should be preserved and evaluated with archaeological purposes as well.”