Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Devil's Town - Serbia







Devil's Town(serbian-Djavolja Varoš) is a natural phenomenon in the south of Serbia, about 90 kilometers to the southwest of Niš. It is a rock formation consisting of 202 rocks of different forms and sizes ranging between 2 and 15 meters in height and 0,5 and 3 meters in width, with stone caps on tops.

The stone columns were created by the effect of erosion on the land composed of solid material with large stones. Million of years ago, the area was in the center of strong volcanic activities, the traces of which can be seen in the rocks behind the columns. However, human factor had the most to do with this. By destroying forests, people made way for destructive water activity. During this first stage of the process, larger chunks of rocks shielded the deeper and softer land layers from rain and water. The land began to slide and collapse except beneath the rocks which prevented further dissipation of land with their own weight. This created pyramids and / or towers. The stone blocks on column tops served as umbrellas but water still continues to flow between the figures, wash down the land, and makes them taller over time. This process is the second stage and it means „final processing“. Namely, the forces of nature cause the thinning of the pyramids and towers so, eventually, they turn into regular columns with stone caps.

Djavolja Varoš is also known for its 2 springs of very acid water. One of them is Djavolja Voda (Devil's Water), a cold and extremely acid spring (pH 1.5) with strong mineralization (15 g/l water). This spring is at Djavolja Jaruga (Devil's Ravine). Crveno Vrelo (Red Spring) is the other (pH 3.5), with weaker mineralization (4.372 mg/l water). Waters like these are rarely found in the world and are used in spa treatments because of their remedial properties. However, our scientists warn people against using the water from Djavolja Voda spring since it has not been tested enough.

„Djavolja Varoš“ has been under the state protection since 1959. In 1995, the Government of the Republic of Serbia proclaimed it a natural region of extreme significance and put it in the first category of protection – NATURAL MONUMENT. In total, 67 hectares are under this protection.

Voting for the finalists of the 7 wonders ends on 31st December 2008. A panel of experts will announce the list of 21 candidates in January 2007. Voting for the list of finalists will take place during 2009 and 2010. The New 7 Wonders of Nature will be officially proclaimed in the summer of 2010.

Vote at http://www.djavoljavaros.com/ or http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/

0 comments:

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | GreenGeeks Review