15 Most Surreal Landscapes on Earth
15 Most Surreal Landscapes on Earth
Transcript
00:00Hey everyone, prepare to be transported to landscapes beyond your wildest dreams, where
00:05reality and fantasy intertwine into breathtaking harmony.
00:10We're exploring the Top 15 Most Surreal Landscapes on Earth, beginning with number 15, the Honghei-Hanai
00:17Rice Terraces in Yunnan, China.
00:20These rice terraces cover an area of over 41,000 acres across the counties of Yunnan,
00:25Honghei, Jinping, and Luchun, and are a stunning example of man-made cultivation,
00:31having been tended to by the Hanai people for over 1,300 years.
00:35The terraces are carved into the slopes of mountains where the Hanai people have adapted
00:39to the terrain to create a complex system of irrigation channels that divert water from
00:44the mountaintops to the fields.
00:46This system relies on a combination of natural springs, forests, and a network of ditches
00:51and bamboo pipes, which ensures that water is distributed evenly across the terraces.
00:56The rice paddies are flooded in the winter months, creating an incredible mirror-like
00:59effect that's really impressive during sunrise.
01:02Now, even though this looks like a monoculture, what's most surprising about the terraces
01:06is their biodiversity.
01:08The Hanai people practice a form of agroforestry where the rice is grown alongside fish and
01:13ducks in the paddies, and a variety of trees and shrubs are cultivated on the terrace edges.
01:18This method not only enhances fertility of the soil, but also provides a habitat for
01:22countless species.
01:24In recognition of their cultural significance, the Honghei Hanai Rice Terraces were declared
01:28a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, something that's helped to raise awareness about the
01:33importance of preserving this unique landscape.
01:3614.
01:38The Zao Onsen in Japan The Zao Onsen in the mountains of the Yamagata
01:43Prefecture in Japan is one of the country's most famous hot spring resorts.
01:47With a history dating back over 1,900 years, it's a relaxing retreat amongst, at times,
01:52a truly surreal landscape.
01:55The hot springs themselves are known for their high sulfur content, which gives the waters
01:59a distinctive milky-white appearance and a strong, earthy aroma.
02:03This mineral-rich water is believed to offer a variety of health benefits, and bathing
02:07in them is said to soothe the body and the mind.
02:10Visitors can enjoy the springs in a range of settings, from traditional indoor baths
02:14to open-air rotumbro, where they can soak while taking in the breathtaking views.
02:19The region, though, is most famous for its winter sports, and during its colder months
02:23that it really comes into its own.
02:25The Zao Ski Resort, one of the oldest in Japan, offers excellent skiing and snowboarding from
02:30December to early May, and has a variety of slopes suitable for all levels.
02:35Once the snow has fallen, though, a unique thing takes place on the mountains.
02:38It's known as the Jūyō, or snow monsters.
02:41The trees become covered in thick layers of snow and ice, creating otherworldly shapes
02:45that attract people from around the world.
02:47These natural sculptures are lit up at night, creating an amazing experience.
02:5213.
02:53Sosu Vlai, Namibia Sosu Vlai in the Namib Desert in Namibia
02:58is one of the most surreal natural wonders on Earth.
03:02It's a clay and salt pan, which is surrounded by some of the tallest sand dunes you'll ever
03:07see, and these all combine to create a landscape like nowhere else.
03:11The name Sosu Vlai comes from the Afrikaans word vlai, meaning marsh, and the Nama word
03:16sosus, meaning no return, as it's a drainage basin without an overflow.
03:22Sosu Vlai is part of the Namib Nakhluft National Park, which covers a vast area of arid and
03:27semi-arid terrain, and is covered with huge red sand dunes, some of which rise over 900
03:33feet or over 300 meters.
03:35These dunes are formed by the constant shifting of the sand by the wind, and are ever-changing,
03:40so no visitor will ever see the same one twice.
03:43One of the most famous features here is Dune 45, named for its location about 28 miles
03:48from the park entrance.
03:50The dune is famous for being relatively easy to access, and for the incredible views it
03:53offers at sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a dramatic shadow across the land.
03:59Climbing Dune 45 is a popular activity, providing visitors with a sense of the sheer scale of
04:04the place, and the opportunity to experience the desert calm from above.
04:08Another surreal sight here is Dead Vlai, which is a white clay pan that boldly stands out
04:13amongst the surrounding orange.
04:15It's covered with the remains of ancient camel-thorn trees, thought to be around 900 years old,
04:19and have been preserved by the arid climate.
04:22It's a strange beauty here that, unsurprisingly, has become one of the most photographed places
04:27in the country.
04:2912.
04:30Atchafalaya Basin, in Louisiana, in the U.S.
04:34The Atchafalaya Basin, off south-central Louisiana, is the largest wetland and swamp in the United
04:39States.
04:40It covers an area of around 1.4 million acres.
04:43It's a vast ecosystem that combines wetlands, marshes, bayous, backwater lakes, and river
04:49channels.
04:50It's formed by the Atchafalaya River, where it meets with several other rivers, including
04:53the Mississippi and the Red River, and together they've formed a basin with an intricate network
04:58of waterways.
04:59This has meant that the basin has become a sanctuary for countless species of birds,
05:03fish, reptiles, and mammals.
05:06It's particularly known for its bird populations, including the majestic bald eagle, which nests
05:10in the tall cypress trees that dominate the region.
05:13The basin is also home to a variety of fish species, making it a popular destination for
05:17recreational fishing, and it also supports a significant population of alligators, otters,
05:22and deer.
05:23Importantly, the basin also acts as a natural floodway, diverting excess water from the
05:28Mississippi River during high-flow events and preventing flooding in more populated
05:32areas.
05:33This function has been enhanced by human interventions too, such as the construction of levees and
05:37control structures by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, measures that help to manage
05:42the delicate balance between preserving the basin's natural state and protecting human
05:46settlements.
05:47It's not just in recent times that humans have taken an interest in the basin, as it's
05:51long been an important place for the Cajun and Creole communities, having developed a
05:55way of life that's deeply interwoven with the natural rhythms here.
05:59Fishing, trapping, and hunting are traditions passed down through generations, as are the
06:03designs of the flat-bottom boats that are used to navigate these shallow waterways.
06:0811.
06:10Singi De Bemaraha, Madagascar The Singi De Bemaraha in western Madagascar
06:15is one of the strangest landscapes you'll ever see, with bedrock made up of a series
06:20of karstic plateaus that have been eroded over millennia into a labyrinth of razor-sharp
06:25limestone peaks.
06:27These formations, known locally as Singi, have created a stone forest that's part of
06:32a protected area in a national park, a region that covers an area of almost 280 square miles
06:38or 720 square kilometers.
06:40The limestone formations have been sculpted by rainwater erosion into a dense network
06:44of canyons, gorges, and caves, and the pinnacles that have formed rise from the forest floor
06:50with some reaching heights of over 230 feet or 70 meters.
06:54The name Singi itself translates to mean, where one cannot walk barefoot, and with each
07:00one being razor-sharp, you certainly wouldn't want to try.
07:04On the face of it, it looks like quite an inhospitable place, but it's actually a biodiversity
07:08hotspot.
07:09The park supports a wide range of plants and animals, many of which are only found here.
07:14There are, for example, several species of lemurs, including the Deccan Sifaka and the
07:18red-fronted brown lemur, and plenty more reptiles, birds, and invertebrates that have adapted
07:24to the harsh conditions here.
07:26With the frailness of the limestone and continual erosion, the park won't look like this forever,
07:31and efforts are underway to try to prolong the unique place for as long as possible.
07:35Initiatives include protecting the ecosystems from threats like deforestation and illegal
07:40logging and promoting sustainable tourism so visitors don't cause any damage while they're
07:45seeing this place for themselves.
07:4810.
07:49Abraham Lake, Canada Abraham Lake, which is located in Alberta,
07:53Canada, is an artificial lake on the North Saskatchewan River, and it's known for its
07:58stunning turquoise waters and the bizarre phenomenon that takes place there each year
08:02to create a surreal landscape.
08:05Created in 1972 with the construction of the Big Horn Dam, the lake is around 20 miles
08:10long and covers an area of over 20 square miles.
08:13Its vivid blue color is down to the presence of rock flour in it, which are fine particles
08:18of rock that have been ground down by glaciers, but with many other glacial lakes in the region
08:23being similar, this isn't what makes it truly unique.
08:26What sets it apart is the way that during the winter months, methane bubbles become
08:31frozen in the ice.
08:32These bubbles are formed when organic matter, which remains on the lake bed after it was
08:37flooded, decomposes and then releases its gas.
08:40This is constantly happening, but as the water starts to freeze, the gas starts getting
08:45trapped and creates layers of white bubble-like formations.
08:49The best time to see it is usually from late December to early February, when the ice is
08:53thick enough to walk on but still clear enough to see the bubbles below.
08:57If you do visit, you've got to be careful, as the thickness of the ice here can vary,
09:01and it's essential to ensure it's safe before venturing out onto the lake's surface.
09:069.
09:07Cappadocia, Turkey Cappadocia, in central Turkey, is a region
09:12that's long been known for its otherworldly landscape with a series of unusual rock formations
09:18known as fairy chimneys.
09:20These structures were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, which deposited
09:24thick layers of ash that solidified into a soft rock called tuff.
09:29Over time, wind and water erosion sculpted this tuff into the pillars, cones, and valleys
09:34that can be seen today, and the result is a landscape that appears like it belongs on
09:38an alien planet.
09:40The soft rock also meant that this place has been lived in for a long time, with the first
09:44human settlements dating back almost 4,000 years.
09:48One of the most famous sites in Cappadocia is the Gorim Open Air National Museum, which
09:52is a monastic complex made up of rock-cut churches and chapels decorated with frescoes
09:58dating from the 10th to the 12th centuries.
10:00The vibrant paintings here depict biblical scenes and provide valuable insights into
10:05the religious practices and traditions of the Byzantine period.
10:09Probably the best way to see all of this is by hot air balloon, and every morning, as
10:12the weather is good, dozens of balloons take to the skies, giving passengers a view of
10:17the fairy chimneys, valleys, and ancient cave dwellings.
10:21Once you're back on the ground, you can then explore further into the rich history of traditions
10:25and crafts in the area, especially with the pottery and food, which has been perfected
10:29by locals over many hundreds of years.
10:32With the landscape and the culture, it's a place that should be on everyone's bucket
10:36list.
10:378.
10:38The Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, United States
10:43Yellowstone National Park is one of the most famous protected regions on the planet, and
10:48it's there that you'll find yourself surrounded by a series of strange structures, including
10:53the Grand Prismatic Spring.
10:55It's the largest hot spring in the country and the third largest in the world, and with
10:59vibrant colors and steaming waters, it's one of the most photographed and visited attractions
11:04in Yellowstone.
11:06Amazingly, the spring is around 370 feet or about 113 meters in diameter and reaches depths
11:12of up to 160 feet or 49 meters.
11:15Its name comes from the rainbow-like coloration that circles the deep blue center, colors
11:20that are the result of microbial mats that thrive in the mineral-rich waters.
11:25The center of the spring, which is the hottest part, appears a deep blue due to the scattering
11:29of blue wavelengths of light, and it's as the water cools towards the edges that it
11:33creates environments suitable for different types of bacteria, which produce the bands
11:37of green, yellow, orange, and red.
11:40The colors of the spring change with the seasons, influenced by the varying types and amounts
11:44of bacteria present.
11:46In the summer, the outer edges of the spring tend to be more red and orange due to the
11:50presence of bacteria that produce carotenoids.
11:53In cooler temperatures, these colors can shift to darker greens and browns, and it's this
11:58dynamic display of colors against the backdrop of the geothermal landscape that make the
12:02spring so fascinating.
12:04The organisms living here in the spring provide valuable insights into the possibility of
12:08life in other extreme environments, such as those on other planets, and by learning how
12:13they've adapted to survive and flourish in boiling, acidic conditions, we can see just
12:18how resilient and adaptable life can be.
12:21Moving on to number 7.
12:23Wadi Rum in Jordan Wadi Rum, often referred to as the Valley
12:28of the Moon, is a spectacular desert region in southern Jordan.
12:32Known for its sandstone and granite rock formations, the region covers an area of around 278 square
12:38miles, or around 720 square kilometers, and is around 37 miles to the east of Aqaba.
12:44The landscape there is surreal, with towering cliffs, vast desert stretches, and rich reds
12:49and oranges in every direction.
12:52The highest peak in Jordan, Jebel Umm Adami, stands at 6,040 feet, or over 1,800 meters
12:58tall, and offers views of the desert and beyond.
13:01Another important feature is the Burda Rock Bridge, which is one of the largest natural
13:05arches in the world.
13:07Wadi Rum gained international attention because of Lawrence of Arabia, who passed through
13:11the area during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1917.
13:16His descriptions of the desert landscape in his book Seven Pillars of Wisdom romanticized
13:20the area, and after featuring in the 1962 movie, its legacy was established.
13:26Tourism here is now a huge part of their economy, and various tours, camel treks, and 4x4 excursions
13:32allow you to explore all the hidden gems.
13:35Done in a respectful way to local people and the environment, perhaps the most surprising
13:39part is the wide range of plant and animal life that you'll see in such a tough environment,
13:44including desert reptiles, foxes, and migratory birds.
13:496.
13:50THE RED BEACH, PENJIN, CHINA The Red Beach in Penjin, China is a natural
13:55wonder that draws visitors from around the world.
13:58Located in the Laohei River Delta, around 19 miles to the southwest of Penjin City,
14:03the wetland area is known for its vibrant red color.
14:06This is caused by large amounts of red seaweed, which flourishes in the saline alkaline soil
14:11of the coastal marshland.
14:13The seaweed begins to grow in April and remains green throughout the summer, however, as autumn
14:17approaches, it turns a vivid red, creating this surreal experience.
14:22The Red Beach is part of the larger National Nature Reserve, which is the largest wetland
14:26ecosystem in the world.
14:28This protected area covers over 380 square miles and plays a critical role in supporting
14:33a wide range of species.
14:35It's a vital habitat, for example, for more than 260 types of birds, including the endangered
14:40red-crowned crane and the black-billed gull.
14:44The reserve's role as a breeding ground and stopover point for migratory birds further
14:48adds to its importance, and visitors can explore the area through a series of wooden walkways
14:53and viewing platforms that have been carefully constructed to minimize environmental impact.
14:58These pathways allow tourists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area without
15:02disturbing the delicate ecosystem, with a huge focus on teaching guests about the importance
15:07of sites like these and preserving them for future generations.
15:125.
15:13Wai-o-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand Wai-o-Tapu in the Rotorua region of New
15:18Zealand is one of the most active geothermal sites in the world.
15:22With an amazing landscape that shows the powerful forces that shape the Earth's crust, its name
15:27translates from Maori to mean sacred waters, and it's clear to see why it's long been a
15:32special place.
15:34The geothermal features here are the result of volcanic activity in the area, known for
15:38its high geothermal energy and frequent volcanic activity.
15:42One of the biggest features here is the Champagne Pool, which is full of effervescent bubbles
15:46caused by carbon dioxide gas.
15:49The pool's colors, a mix of vivid orange and green, are due to deposits of minerals like
15:53arsenic and antimony, and with temperatures exceeding 143°F or 62°C, it's incredible
16:00to see.
16:01There's also the Lady Knox, which can erupt up to 66 feet or 20 meters high, and after
16:07learning how to do so by accident in 1901, when prisoners were washing their clothes
16:12in the water, it now set off artificially at the same time each day by adding a surfactant.
16:17Elsewhere, there are boiling mud pools, fumaroles, and hot springs, and the Devil's Bath, which
16:23is a crater filled with vibrant neon green water that's formed because of deposits of
16:27sulfur and ferrous salts.
16:30Surrounding Wai-o-Tapu is a lush natural environment, with forests that provide habitats for various
16:34wildlife.
16:35Walking trails throughout the park allow visitors to explore and experience the geothermal wonders
16:40up close.
16:41Its accessibility is a major tourist hub in New Zealand, it's made it a popular destination
16:46for travelers, and from the moment you set foot there, you'll feel like you've been transported
16:50to another world.
16:53Number 4.
16:54Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Salar de Uyuni is in southwest Bolivia, and
16:59it covers an area of more than 4,000 square miles, or about 10,000 square kilometers,
17:04and it's the largest salt flat on Earth.
17:06Formed from prehistoric lakes that evaporated long ago, it becomes even stranger as a result
17:11of being at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, or 3,600 meters above sea level in the Andean
17:16Altiplano.
17:17These salt flats are mainly made up of a thick crust of salt over a brine that's rich in
17:22lithium, which also makes it one of the planet's largest lithium reserves.
17:26This mineral wealth has significant economic potential, particularly as lithium is now
17:31a crucial component in batteries.
17:34This place is unbelievably flat, with variations in elevation of less than 3 feet or 1 meter
17:39over its entire surface, and this creates a perfect natural mirror during the rainy
17:44season.
17:45From December to April, a thin layer of water covers the region, transforming it into a
17:49stunning reflective surface that seemingly merges the sky with the ground.
17:55During the dry season, from May to November, the salt flats take on a different but just
17:59as impressive look.
18:00The ground is covered in hexagonal patterns formed by the natural crystallization of the
18:05salts, with the geometric shapes stretching as far as the eye can see.
18:09The region is also rich in wildlife, particularly birds, hosting a variety of flamingos, especially
18:14during their breeding season from November to January.
18:17Three species commonly found here are the Chilean, Andean, and James' flamingos, adding
18:22a touch of color to the otherwise monochromatic landscape.
18:26The surreal beauty and unique characteristics of this place have also, perhaps surprisingly,
18:31made it an important location for various scientific and technological projects.
18:35Its vast, flat surface is used to calibrate the altimeters of Earth observation satellites.
18:41With technology we rely on, like GPS, using it to ensure that measurements are as precise
18:46as possible.
18:473.
18:49Mono Lake, California Mono Lake, which is in eastern California
18:53near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is one of North America's oldest and most unusual
18:58lakes.
18:59This ancient saline soda lake, believed to be at least 760,000 years old, covers approximately
19:0565 square miles or 168 square kilometers, and it's known for its unusual landscape
19:11and historical importance.
19:12The strangest features of the Mono Lake are the Tuffa Towers, which are calcium carbonate
19:17spires and knobs that have been formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and
19:21the alkaline lake water.
19:23These limestone formations rise above the lake's surface, creating a surreal landscape
19:27that's captured imaginations of visitors for hundreds of years.
19:32Surrounded by young volcanoes, it's also an area of scientific interest because of volcanic
19:36activity, although the last eruption was around 600 years ago, and for the time being at least,
19:41these peaks further add to this unusual landscape.
19:44Mono Lake's high salinity has created a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of life
19:49forms.
19:50Mono Lake is home to brine shrimp and alkali flies, which thrive here.
19:54These small creatures form the base of a complex food web, attracting millions of migratory
19:59birds each year.
20:00Importantly, the lake also provides a critical habitat for species such as the California
20:05gull, eared greb, and Wilson's phalarope, and during migration season, the sight of
20:09thousands of birds feeding and nesting here is a spectacular event.
20:14There was real concern in the mid-20th century, however, that the whole place would dry up
20:19following a water diversion project to supply Los Angeles that's caused the lake level to
20:24drop dramatically.
20:25This exposed the lake bed, increased salinity, and threatened the unique ecosystem.
20:31And it was the Mono Lake Committee, which was formed by concerned citizens in 1978 that
20:36played a critical role in campaigning for its protection.
20:39Their efforts led to significant legal victories, including a landmark ruling by the California
20:43State Water Resources Control Board in 1994, which mandated the restoration of the lake
20:48to a sustainable level.
20:50This successful campaign is often given as a model for grassroots activism and environmental
20:55conservation and how it can affect positive change before it's too late.
21:01Number 2.
21:02Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland The Vatnajökull Glacier, which can be seen
21:07in southeastern Iceland, is the largest ice cap in Europe, covering an area of over 3,100
21:12square miles, or 7,900 square kilometers, and reaching an average thickness of over
21:161,250 feet, or 380 meters.
21:20With a name that translates from Icelandic to Glacier of Lakes, it's a dominant feature
21:25of the landscape and plays a critical role in the country's geography, ecology, and tourism
21:29industries.
21:31It's part of the Vatnajökull National Park, which covers an area of 5,400 square miles,
21:36and it's one of Europe's largest protected areas.
21:39The park was established in 2008, and it combines the unique glacial environment with
21:43a variety of other natural features, including volcanic craters, geothermal areas, and extensive
21:48river systems.
21:49One of the most interesting things about it is its various outlet glaciers, which flow
21:53outwards in all directions, sculpting the landscape as they move.
21:58These outlet glaciers terminate in stunning glacial lagoons filled with icebergs, like
22:03the famous Jökulsárlón, and these lagoons provide surreal scenes where large chunks
22:07of ice float and drift on the deep blue waters and past the black volcanic sands.
22:12While the interior of Vatnajökull is largely devoid of life due to its extreme conditions,
22:17the peripheral areas and surrounding ecosystems are rich in biodiversity.
22:22Bird species such as the pink-footed goose and various types of arctic char thrive in
22:26the habitats created by the glacier's meltwater.
22:30Its dramatic landscapes and natural phenomena here have, of course, made it a popular destination
22:34for outdoor enthusiasts.
22:36The glacier offers opportunities for activities such as glacier hiking, ice climbing, and
22:41exploring ice caves, with guided tours providing safe and informative ways to experience its
22:46features.
22:47These caves are renowned for their beauty and constantly changing shapes, offering a
22:51unique experience here with each visit.
22:53The accessibility here has also been improved recently by well-developed infrastructure
22:57and visitor services.
22:59A visitor center located within the national park serves as a gateway to exploring this
23:03place and provides educational exhibits, guided tours, and information on the range
23:07of hiking trails available.
23:10Number 1.
23:11The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia The simply stunning Danakil Depression is located
23:17in northeastern Ethiopia and is one of the most extreme and surreal environments on Earth.
23:22It's a geological depression that sits at the northern end of the Afar Triangle, which
23:27is a tectonic plate junction where three tectonic plates are pulling apart.
23:31This activity creates a unique landscape full of active volcanoes, vast salt flats,
23:37and colorful hot springs, plus some of the most inhospitable conditions on the planet.
23:41Sitting about 410 feet or 125 meters below sea level, the Danakil Depression is one of
23:47the lowest and hottest places on Earth.
23:50Temperatures here can soar to over 122 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Celsius during the
23:55day and rainfall is virtually non-existent.
23:59One of the standout features here is the Dallol hydrothermal field.
24:03This area is covered with vibrant yellow, green, and white salt formations, sulfur springs,
24:08and acidic pools, which have been formed where groundwater makes contact with the volcanic
24:12material.
24:13The depression is also home to the Erta Ale volcano, which is one of the few continuously
24:18active lava lakes in the world.
24:20Known as the gateway to hell, Erta Ale is a persistent lava lake that provides a rare
24:25opportunity to see volcanic activity up close.
24:29The sight of the glowing lava against the night sky here is incredible and it's a big
24:33draw to the area.
24:35Salt also plays a crucial role in the landscape and the economy of the Danakil Depression,
24:40with the vast flats such as those at Lake Asale have been mined for centuries.
24:45Traditional salt miners here, often from the Afar group, use camels to transport the heavy
24:49blocks of salt, continuing a trade that's been central to the region's economy and culture.
24:54This ancient method of salt extraction has been unchanged for generations.
24:58It shows how, even when being in such a harsh environment, people are able to adapt to challenges
25:02like these.
25:04Tourism too is also becoming more common now, with those wanting to see the unique landscapes,
25:08but this is being done carefully to make sure that the region isn't damaged by an increased
25:12number of people.
25:14As well as supporting the local communities, the Danakil Depression is a key area of study
25:18for scientists interested in plate tectonics, as it's one of the few places on Earth where
25:22a continental rift is actively forming.
25:25This process, where these plates are splitting into smaller plates, offers important insights
25:30into the dynamics of Earth's crust and the formation of new ocean basins across the globe,
25:35and it can help us understand where and when earthquakes are likely to strike.
25:40Thanks for watching everyone, I'll see you next time.