7 Places On Earth That Science Has Not Yet Found An Explanation
We certainly live on an awe-inspiring planet, but we never managed to fully understand our home. From strange phenomena to alien-looking regions, the Earth still has a lot of mysteries and mysterious places that science has not yet found an explanation for. If you’d like to see some of them with your own eyes, check out these 7 amazing destinations.
1. Tsingy de Bemaraha, Madagascar
Have you ever seen a forest made of stone? If you haven’t, Tsingy de Bemaraha in Madagascar should top your bucket list. This region is formed by countless karstic plateaus shaped by groundwater both horizontally and vertically.
This peculiar erosion pattern gave birth to elevated uplands, gouging caverns, and a myriad of fissures into the limestone, creating dramatic forests of stone needles.
A harsh and unwelcoming territory that’s ready to chew away from your shoe soles but that provided proper refuge to a variety of endemic species.
Most expeditions to the area find new fauna and flora species that have not yet been described by the science, making this one of the most surprising places on Earth.
2. Lake Hillier, Australia
Located in Australia, Lake Hillier is famous worldwide for its Insta-worthy pink shade. Separated from the ocean by a thin strip of land and nestled among the lush vegetation of the surrounding forests, the lake looks just like rhodochrosite lost among emeralds and topazes.
The scenery is undoubtedly awe-inspiring, but what causes the strawberry bubblegum color of the lake is still up to debate.
Most scientists agree it’s probably the result of the high salinity of the lake that promotes the development of salt-loving algae Dunaliella Salina, but the truth is still shrouded in mystery.
While the water does not appear to pose any dangers to humans, you’ll only be able to admire it from helicopter rides, as the island is closed to mass tourism. If you really want to bathe in pink water, the nearby Pink Lake looks just as stunning, but in its case, the scientists know for sure what are the causes behind the unusual color.
3. Socotra Island, Yemen
Located in the Arabian Sea, Socotra Island is one of the most peculiar places on Earth. Considered a “lost world” by some scientists and an “alien world” by others, the island is home to unique flora and fauna, including the strange dragon’s blood tree.
This paradise is held by some to be the location of the Gardens of Eden due to its isolation and biodiversity. The language spoken on this land is also unique, and scientists have not yet found an explanation as to why bats are the only native mammals on the island.
Strange but stunning, this is one of the most amazing places to visit in your lifetime.
4. Ausangate Mountain, Peru
Peru is renowned for its astounding landscapes, but the Ausangate Mountain is second to none. Also known as the Rainbow Mountain, it’s one of the most magnificent places in the Peruvian Andes.
Striped with a variety of colors ranging from neutral shades of beige and brown to bright turquoise and lavender, it amazes the adventurers who can handle the extremely difficult hike up to its top.
Local Peruvians consider it to be holy; whether this is true or not, it’s undoubtedly one of the most magnificent places on Earth.
5. The Spotted Lake, British Columbia
Located in Canada’s only desert area, the Spotted Lake is the nation’s magical place. This mystical lake looks just like any other lake throughout the year, but when the hot temperatures hit in summer, the water evaporates leaving space to peculiar concentrations of minerals on the surface of the water.
These minerals cause differently colored spots that vary in size and hue throughout the hot season.
Science has yet failed to explain why these minerals concentrate on this weird pattern, but the lake surely is one of the most amazing places to see in British Columbia.
6. Hessdalen Valley, Norway
Hessdalen is a small village in Norway, the perfect place to chase the Northern Lights. But this tiny settlement and its valley are also known for a different kind of lights, the Hessdalen lights.
These bright orbs can have an impressive size and are easy to spot from afar. Indeed, even the inhabitants of Oslo claimed to have seen them.
Like all unexplained phenomena, there are dozens of theories as to what could produce them. Scientists believe they are caused by a sort of natural “battery” created by underground metallic minerals reacting with a sulfurous river running through the sediments.
The theory is plausible, but until science confirms it, Hessdalen Valley is a hot spot for ufologists and anyone else who wants to witness an unexplained phenomenon.
7. Kelimutu, Indonesia
Kelimutu in Indonesia is the cherry on top of this sumptuous cake made of peculiar places that science has not yet found an explanation for. Perched on the summit of Kelimutu Mount, there are three mesmerizing lakes – another perfect spot for that Insta-worthy shot.
These three lakes have three different colors. Most of the time, the westernmost lake is blue, the middle one green, and the third lake is red.
Depending on the moods of the volcano, though – or other unexplained phenomena – these lakes can and do change colors at any time, covering the broad spectrum of colors from white to black.
People believe their color is a result of a reaction between particular minerals and volcanic gas. However, their color changes so often and in such unpredictable hues that scientists have not yet found an explanation.
So, what do you say? Have you been to any of these places? Which is your bucket list topper?
Whether you’ve been to one or more of these destinations, have them on your bucket list, or just randomly travel the world, the Newverest Scratch Off Maps are great for recording your journeys or setting new traveling goals. Check them out.
