From Newsgroup: rec.aviation.military
On 8/19/26 03:31, Jim Wilkins wrote:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/07/260731034142.htm
Hexagonal structures occur on Earth too. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant%27s_Causeway
Indeed. Google
cooling lava formed polygonal columns
AI Overview
When thick molten lava cools and solidifies, it shrinks and contracts.
This thermal stress creates a geometric network of fractures known as
columnar jointing, which naturally self-organizes into tightly packed polygonal pillarsrComost commonly six-sided hexagonsrCoperpendicular to the cooling surface.
How the Cooling Process WorksThermal Contraction: As liquid lava turns
into solid rock, it loses volume and shrinks, pulling apart and building
up intense tension.Surface Cracking: The outer boundary cools first and
cracks in random patterns, much like drying mud on a lake bed.
Hexagonal Preference: Nature favors 120-degree angles because they
evenly distribute mechanical stress and form efficient six-sided shapes. Downward Propagation: As cooling continues deeper into the flow, these
initial cracks grow downward, forming long, majestic stone columns.
Famous ExamplesGiant's Causeway in Northern IrelandDevils Postpile in California, United States
or drive from Ellensburg Wa. past Ryegrass and down to Vantage Wa.
do this
cooling lava formed polygonal columns
and select "Images"
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