Not far from the great slab of Leac nam Leum, there are even greater wonders of Mull's volcanic past.
The Carsaig Arches are now high above the sea but during the last Ice Age, when water levels were higher, Atlantic swells surged through the arches.
Hexagonal basalt columns teeter on top of layers of lava.
In turn the lava layers are interspersed with layers of volcanic ash. The ash is very soft and can be picked with a fingernail. As you can see, wave action is undercutting the basalt by wearing away the ash. One day, probably quite soon in geological terms, the whole lot will come toppling down.
Might I be presumptuous and recommend that you visit the Carsaig Arches sooner rather than later?
20/07/2007
Sooner rather than later? But if this global warming thing comes through, the sea level may raise enough for us to paddle through those arches...
ReplyDeletePeter, what a thought! I have just rushed out and put 62l of 102 RON petrol (16 gallons of 102 octane gas) in the Beemer!
ReplyDelete:o)
Climbed it 1999 through the arch :)
ReplyDeleteLovely shots Doug.
Thank you Si, did you solo the arch?
ReplyDeleteNot at all Douglas. No solo was had. I had to hand, that lowly & irrevernt creature... Attentive Belayer.
ReplyDeleteMr.Moody et al, will have probably superseded my direct & steep E6 offering by now. Nonetheless, many great days spent that way, some banjaxed on Iona, or in the chippy.
All the best Douglas :o)
Si, I was happy just to be able walk through it. I did a little climbing (which did not involve E numbers) but it was so long in the past that it might just have been a dream. :o)
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