How did the Moeraki Boulders form?
These unusual rocks have long been a source of intrigue. Here is what we know about the creation of the Moeraki Boulders in New Zealand. Spoiler alert: They are not alien eggs. 👽
Strange, spherical boulders scattered on the sand…
On this beach located in New Zealand, these unusual rocks, measuring between 50 cm and 2 meters in diameter and weighing up to several tons, have long been a source of intrigue. Fossilized dinosaur eggs, relics of Maori ancestors, the work of extraterrestrials…
They have inspired many legends. But science has finally solved the mystery: the formation of these rocks began approximately 60 million years ago. Fossilized clay and mud are found in the center, around which sediments such as calcite have accumulated. One layer at a time, the boulders grew larger over the years. The concept is similar to the formation of an oyster pearl. Several hypotheses that may explain the spherical shape of these rocks exist, such as tidal action, gravity, and the pressure that the layers of sediment exert on each other. These are the Moeraki Boulders, one of the most iconic landscapes in New Zealand.
Brut.
51 comments
Linda M.
12/29/2020 18:10I wonder if they're ancient remains? Same with these mountains that look man made...
John W.
12/25/2020 06:04Our visit to the South Island was planned around visiting them. Well worth the visit.
Gros L.
11/23/2020 10:57😍😍
Pam H.
11/22/2020 03:47Amazing and interesting
Anja H.
11/20/2020 15:36We have these in Scandinavia too, but only 10 - 30 cm. We can crack them and often we find a little fossil of a crab or a scallop.
Axel R.
11/19/2020 07:26wonderful..💓
Mark W.
11/19/2020 02:37Big moose globetrotting from Canada.
Glenys E.
11/19/2020 02:32Been there, seen them. Didn't know then how they were made - very interesting.
Yolanda C.
11/18/2020 20:16¿ Qué contendrán ?Son interesantes.
Noël P.
11/18/2020 19:06Reminds me of this middle-of-nowhere place in Kansas with odd boulders randomly placed
Roger W.
11/18/2020 16:36We have seen them, they look as if they come from outer space
Patrick F.
11/18/2020 13:43Marbels gaint kids want too play too
Sandrine B.
11/18/2020 13:33;)
Mohammed I.
11/18/2020 12:15Wonderful 🤔 It reminds me of a natural thing. In live.
Brad B.
11/18/2020 12:13Giants playing marbles
Hilana S.
07/16/2020 17:31....is dit naby julle?
Rudi R.
05/14/2020 20:07Been there =) twice!!
Alyx E.
05/04/2020 22:25Supposedly trolls used these to fight other trolls
Kirsten B.
04/23/2020 16:57, remember these?!
Vanessa G.
04/22/2020 20:49😍😍