Listen and read the passage. Respond to the prompts. Discuss with your partner. 1. What does the Giant s Causeway refer
Listen and read the passage. Respond to the prompts. Discuss with your partner. 1. What does the Giant"s Causeway refer to? 2. What prevents individuals from crossing to Scotland through the Giant"s Causeway? 3. By whom and for what purpose was it constructed? 4. Who came to Finn"s aid when faced with Benandonner, and through what means? 5. What theory do scientists propose for the formation of the Giant"s Causeway?
Валера 13
1. Giant"s Causeway refers to a famous geological site located on the Northern coast of Ireland. It is a unique formation of interlocking basalt columns that stretch over an area of about 40,000 square meters. These columns are the result of ancient volcanic activity.2. The Giant"s Causeway is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which acts as a natural barrier preventing individuals from directly crossing to Scotland. The waters are deep and can be treacherous, making it dangerous for anyone to attempt crossing on foot.
3. The Giant"s Causeway was not constructed by any individual or group. Its formation is a result of volcanic activity that took place around 50 to 60 million years ago. As molten lava cooled rapidly upon coming into contact with the sea, it contracted and crystallized, forming these unique hexagonal columns.
4. According to the legend, when Finn MacCool, an Irish giant, was faced with the Scottish giant Benandonner, he called upon his wife Oonagh to help him. Oonagh disguised Finn as a baby and prepared a crib for him. When Benandonner arrived and saw the enormous size of the "baby," he became terrified, thinking that if the baby was so massive, its father must be gigantic. Benandonner fled back to Scotland, destroying the Causeway behind him to prevent Finn from following him.
5. Scientists propose that the formation of the Giant"s Causeway is the result of intense volcanic activity combined with specific geological conditions. The basalt columns were formed when lava rapidly cooled and contracted, creating cracks that led to the characteristic hexagonal shapes. These shapes are the result of the natural process known as columnar jointing, where the lava flow fractures as it cools, forming regular polygonal patterns.
Overall, the Giant"s Causeway represents a remarkable natural phenomenon showcasing the earth"s geological history and serves as a popular tourist destination, captivating visitors with its unique beauty and fascinating legends.