Curiosmos
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists
No Result
View All Result
Like us on Facebook
Curiosmos
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists
No Result
View All Result
Curiosmos
No Result
View All Result

The Al Naslaa rock formation stands as one of Earth’s most extraordinary geological marvels

Ivan PetricevicbyIvan Petricevic
August 31, 2024
in Editor's Picks
The Al Naslaa rock formation stands as one of Earth's most extraordinary geological marvels

The Al Naslaa rock formation stands as one of Earth's most extraordinary geological marvels

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

This ancient site, adorned with petroglyphs that date back thousands of years and evidence of human activity from the Bronze Age, is a striking landmark. Its most astonishing feature is the precise split that divides the formation into two sections, each balanced on a slender pedestal. This seemingly impossible natural phenomenon has sparked curiosity and debate, as many question how such a structure could form naturally.

The Al Naslaa Rock Formation.
The Al Naslaa Rock Formation.

There are three leading geological explanations for this spectacular formation. The two towering boulders, each approximately six meters (20 feet) high, are separated by a perfectly smooth fissure. This central split, an iconic feature of Al Naslaa, is adorned with petroglyphs believed to be up to 4,000 years old. Although the exact cause of the fissure remains uncertain, similar formations around the world offer potential clues.

In the United States, Balanced Rock showcases a similar “unstable equilibrium,” where different layers of sedimentary rock erode at varying rates, often resulting in pedestal-like structures. Over time, as the supporting material erodes, these ancient formations become increasingly vulnerable to collapse.

A unique view of the Al Naslaa Rock formation that appears to be split in half with laser like precision. Shutterstock.
A unique view of the Al Naslaa Rock formation that appears to be split in half with laser-like precision. Shutterstock.

Wind, rain, sand, and water gradually shape these structures over vast geological timescales. New Zealand’s “Split Apple Rock” also exhibits an almost perfectly symmetrical split, suggesting a comparable process. In granite formations, planes of weakness known as joints allow for water-based weathering, which can cleave boulders apart.

Related Posts

An illustration of what spherical UFOs look like.

The 5 Most Mysterious Spots in Our Solar System Where Alien Tech Might Be Hiding

September 8, 2024
All ancient ruins are spectacular but the Mayan structures are absolutely enigmatic. Here are 10 ancient Mayan sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. Credit: Shutterstock

10 Mind-Boggling Ancient Sites You Should Visit in the Yucatan Peninsula

October 22, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
Al Naslaa Crack close-up image.
Al Naslaa Crack close-up image.

Al Naslaa itself has another cracked joint parallel to its main fissure, potentially offering further insight into its formation. Across the Arabian Peninsula, the erosion of sandstone and limestone has created numerous breathtaking formations.

Earthquakes or fault lines may also have contributed to the creation of Al Naslaa’s distinctive split. While its eventual collapse is inevitable, Al Naslaa remains a captivating and enduring geological wonder, continuing to intrigue and inspire those who encounter it.

Share157Tweet98Share27ShareSend
Ivan Petricevic

Ivan Petricevic

I've been writing passionately about ancient civilizations, history, alien life, and various other subjects for more than eight years. You may have seen me appear on Discovery Channel's What On Earth series, History Channel's Ancient Aliens, and Gaia's Ancient Civilizations among others.

Related Posts

An image of the remnants of an ancient Roman Statue. Jumpstory.
Editor's Picks

5 Archaeological Discoveries That Changed the World

August 8, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
Artist's impression of a collapsing star that is producing a gamma-ray burst jets. Scientists have detected the shortest gamma-ray-burst in history. Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/J. da Silva
Editor's Picks

10 Things You Need To Know About The Briefest Supernova Gamma-Ray Burst

July 27, 2021 - Updated on January 21, 2024
Image Credit: Daniela Cornelli.
Editor's Picks

Forged by the Heavens: Ancient Iron from the Stars

June 5, 2025
An illustration of an advanced alien civilization species.
Editor's Picks

Former Tesla AI Expert Says Alien Civilizations are “Everywhere”

November 26, 2022 - Updated on January 20, 2024
SamCam view of the sampling event on asteroid Bennu. Image Credit: NASA.
Editor's Picks

Here’s the Video of a NASA Spacecraft Landing on an Asteroid 320 Million Km Away

October 22, 2020 - Updated on January 21, 2024
Here is everything you need to know to understand Planck length and Planck time. Credit: DepositPhotos
Editor's Picks

Planck Time and Length—Key Points to Help You Understand

January 8, 2022 - Updated on January 21, 2024
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Fair Use Notice
  • DMCA / Removal
  • Impressum
  • Contact
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Ethics Policy
  • Ownership and Funding Information
  • Impressum
CURIOSMOS.COM

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Unsolved Mysteries
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Cosmic Phenomena
  • Alien Theories
  • Curious Lists