New theory on how the Giant’s Causeway was formed revealed
Last updated 6th Oct 2022
The formation of the Giant's Causeway may have taken just a few days rather than thousands of years, according to a new theory.
Although folklore might suggest that the Giant’s Causeway was built by Finn McCool to cross the North Channel to Scotland, the scientific explanation - widely accepted for decades - is that a river valley was filled with lava that ponded to a greater depth than normal. As the thick layer of lava cooled and solidified it formed these regular columns.
This new interpretation is the first time in more than 80 years that existing theories have been brought into question and has been put forward by Dr Mike Simms, Curator of Natural Sciences at National Museums NI.
Dr Simms suggests that if this lava-filled hollow was a valley it would have cut through old layers of lava beneath. He has identified layers of old lava on the shore either side of the Giant’s Causeway sloping inward where older layers have not eroded away.
“An analogy I find helpful when explaining this involves cake,” explains Dr Simms.
“Eroding a river valley is rather like cutting through a layer cake to reveal layers beneath the surface. In my interpretation, what we actually see are layers of older rock sloping towards the Causeway – more like a badly baked cake that has sunk in the middle.
“I believe the ground subsided as lava moved up and erupted at the surface. The lava filled the depression creating the conditions for the columns to form. This event likely took just a few days rather than the many thousands of years that would be needed for erosion to create a river valley.”
Having visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site numerous times, it was only when another geologist, a young Brazilian man who was on a field trip Simms was leading in 2012, questioned how long it would take to form, that Simms started to look into things further.
“He questioned how long it would take to erode the supposed river valley, and it was this that opened my eyes to the evidence before me. I had visited the Giant’s Causeway many times before and until that moment, I had just accepted the previous theory. It goes to show that even at world famous landmarks such as this, new discoveries can be made from a simple observation.”
Max Bryant, General Manager at Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede said: “This new interpretation demonstrates that even at a site as well-known and well-studied as the Giant’s Causeway, there can always be new possibilities and perspectives waiting to be discovered. It highlights just how marvellous, magnificent and mysterious a geological formation we have here in Northern Ireland to share with the world.”
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said: “I’m proud to support Mike’s findings. I think it’s wonderful he has showcased the expertise of our team and how important museums are. Yes, we provide spaces for people to explore and learn, but our teams also make meaningful contributions elsewhere.
“As a knowledge-based organisation, our staff are uniquely placed to present research and ideas. By using our vast natural science collections, for instance, we can support new discoveries and promote responsible and ethical action when it comes to our natural world.”
Read more:
EXTRA DATE added for Disney on Ice in Belfast
Sound of Belfast 2022 programme unveiled
2023 Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon officially launched