Melo Villareal
Natural Disasters That Have Turned Places Into Beautiful Destinations
When you hear the word disaster, the only thing that will register in your mind is destruction or devastation.
But do you know that there are actually some natural disasters that have made certain places become beautiful destinations and will surprisingly be a must add to your dream vacation bucket list?
Disasters That Made Beautiful Destinations
Niagara Falls
Who doesn’t admire the astonishing beauty of Niagara Falls? It’s a sight to behold that’s why it is always flocked by tourists who want to take a view of this extremely wonderful view.
Niagara Falls, which runs from Ontario, Canada to New York has about more than 6 million cubic feet of water per minute that pours through the falls’ crest line and hurdle thirty-four meters to the pools below it.
This was formed through the Pleistocene or The Great Ice Age as it is more commonly known, which was a continuing natural phenomenon. It didn’t appear overnight. With the extinction of the megafauna, massive changes happened in the landscape of the world and Niagara Falls happens to be one of those changes. The last northward retreat of the glaciers was where the water supplying the falls came.
Undara Lava Tubes
Undara is an Aboriginal word which means the long way. This name perfectly describes what Undara really is, one of the world’s longest lava tubes. It measures about twenty miles and this is a long hike that’s absolutely worth your time. The world’s most diverse caves happen to be located inside this tube. The animals (wallaroo and 4 species of bats) that live there are reached by sunlight because of the roofs that have collapsed in the cave. Semi-evergreen vines, which came from the separation of the Gondwanaland grow in it too.
This tube came from a massive eruption of a volcano which produced 5.6 cubic miles of lava that moved at a rate of 35,300 cubic feet per second and traveled over a hundred miles. When the lava spilled in a dry riverbed, it froze the top layer. The lava flowed several kilometres inside the tube before it finally drained out and what was left was the cubes that you will get to see when you travel to this part of the world.
Yucatan Cenotes
Lots of cenotes or sinkholes in common language can be seen in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. The cenotes here being kind of unique, are great for including in your travel destination. The sight is extremely breathtaking, sky lit caves with turquoise waters beneath it. Along the high walls grow flourishing plants that open to the azure skies. But, this is not the main attraction so to speak. The magical experience happens as you see the water underneath the limestone cenotes.
The Yucatan Peninsula connotes are what you call metromix aquifiers; a layer of salt water lays below the top layer which is composed of a clear and clean groundwater. The wonder here is that it doesn’t mix and both remain as clear as crystal throughout the year. This is where the Mayans got their fresh water during the dry times that it actually played a significant role in the spirituality of the Mayan.
Aside from showcasing the beauty of the cenotes, it also outlines the impact of the Asteroid Chicxulub which is the one behind the mass extinction of the Cretaceous Era. The ring of the cenotes will give you an idea on how big the asteroid was, measuring about 149 miles.
Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone National Park, with a location spreading from Wyoming to Idaho and Montana measures about 3,500 square miles. This is a recreation area on top of a volcanic hotspot featuring alpine rivers, hot springs, dramatic canyons, gushing geysers and verdant forests. It is also the living ground for several animal species like the wolves, elk, bison, antelope and bears. This park has an amazingly unique combination of fountains which spurt steaming water in the sky, fauna and flora.
The history of this park is dangerous. This is a super volcano which can possibly erupt in the future. This had actually erupted three times in the past, dating back to 2.1M years with a strength of 6,ooo times of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens.
Also Read: Facts about the Yellowstone Caldera
Mount Pinatubo
Who could forget the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo? It was such a destructive eruption that the ash fall reached even the farthest locations including Metro Manila. You could actually inhale the dust. It was considered one of the major disasters in the Philippines.
But, despite being the disaster that it was, it gave birth to such a beautiful and almost magical destination. You will surely fall in love with the lake that formed on the crater.
There are lots of adventures waiting for you. The 4 x 4 ride along the bumpy roads filled with lahar is an experience you shouldn’t miss. You can also go camping and be able to enjoy the pine trees at Camp Kainomayan. They offer tents that you can rent.
Another adventure you should not miss is the cliff climbing at the Tukal-tukal falls, a multi-layered eye catching falls. You can also do some kayaking at the Bancal River while watching the sunset.
Last but not the least; you can explore the Mangrove Forest. Zambales is home to different kinds of mangoes. Name it and they surely have it and they are truly delicious. Mangoes happen to be Zambales’ pride.
See Also:
- 6 Volcanoes around the World That You Can Hike!
- Top Ten Places to Visit in Camarines Sur
- A Piece of Heaven: 5 Reasons to stay in Nirwana Resort in Bintan, Indonesia
- 5 Best National Parks in Quebec
- Top 12 Things to do and Places to Visit in Taal, Batangas
- Aliwagwag Falls Travel Guide: Amaze Yourself With This Wonderful Waterfall Destination
- Top 15 Summer Destinations Near Metro Manila
