Alcantara
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Petra Hus
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"The Mystery of Their Creation
The Alcantara Gorges conceal a geological puzzle that has fascinated scientists for years. While we know that these magnificent canyons are the result of ancient lava flows from Mount Etna, the exact process that led to their formation remains a captivating enigma.
Two intriguing theories have been proposed to explain their genesis:
Internal Tensions: Some believe that during the cooling and consolidation phase of the molten lava, internal tensions within the glowing mass caused it to split. However, the heterogeneous structure of the rocks doesn't entirely support this theory.
Reunion of Lava Branches: Another hypothesis suggests that the two branches of the powerful lava flow reconverged at the site of the Gorges, encircling a mass of much colder clay soil. This unique encounter may have caused a rapid cooling of the massive lava flow, resulting in the crystalline material present in the magma. Over thousands of years, the relentless action of the Alcantara River further shaped these extraordinary canyons."
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