Verdon Gorge Facts
- The absolutely breathtaking Verdon Gorge easily stands out from many technically similar geological features for its great beauty. That fact quickly becomes readily apparent to any of the individuals fortunate enough to visit the stunning creation of time and natural forces.
- In point of fact, due to that same extreme visual appeal, it also routinely ranks among the most splendid and beautiful of such locations located in its area. Given the part of the world in which it formed however, that statement says quite a bit about its sublime beauty.
- The magnificent work of Nature and natural processes easily earns this distinction for several reasons. But the most defining and unforgettable characteristic of this particular canyon remains the startlingly turquoise-blue coloring of the water that flows through the site.
- Indeed, this gorgeous color lends itself easily to both poetic and artistic descriptions of the site. The hue for which the canyon remains best-known also serves yet another purpose. That’s because it represents the source of the prevalent name of this remarkable geological feature.
- Due to its stunning, ethereal beauty, as well as its close proximity to other popular tourist regions, this product of vast spans of time holds yet another distinction. That’s because the marvel has, wholly understandably, of course, become an extremely popular destination.
- Unlike some features around the world, Verdon Gorge wasn’t discovered in the traditional sense of the word. Inhabitants of its region long knew of its presence. The first documented exploration of the site, however, occurred in 1905, due to the efforts of Édouard-Alfred Martel.
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Verdon Gorge Physical Description
Perhaps most notably, the mesmerizing Verdon Gorge markedly separates itself from similar features situated around the world. This holds true due to the obvious fact that it not only boasts great beauty, but it also represents a comparatively lengthy example of its specific type of feature.
This occurs as a consequence of the fact that this magnificent site boasts an overall length that measures about 15.5 m (25 km). Astoundingly, in places the gorgeous canyon also displays an incredibly impressive maximum depth. That plunge has been measured at roughly 2,300 ft (700 m).
Its own geological structure additionally aids in the coloring of the water that flows through it, though. That’s because the walls along its length primarily consist of the relatively soft mineral called limestone. The slow erosion of these serves to further enhance the natural color.
Yet not all of the natural wonders of the truly breathtaking Verdon Gorge originate within its boundaries, however. That’s because the gorgeous river which flows through the location originates high in the Trois Eveches mountain range, itself a remarkably beautiful geological structure.
The magnificent work of natural forces also holds yet another attraction for its many visitors. At its end, this remarkable example of the beauty of our world now flows into a man-made lake. This addition to the work of Nature sits near the French community of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.
Verdon Gorge Formation, History, and Uses
This stunning marvel of eons of development formed in a region of the globe already well known for its vast array of similar natural marvels. That’s due to the fact that this marvelous product of natural processes formed in what now constitutes the beautiful country of France, located in Europe.
The truly haunting canyon began its formation in the very distant past, long before mankind came onto the scene to remark on it. That holds true due to the fact that scientific research discovered evidence indicating it formed more than 200 million years ago, during the earth’s Triassic Period.
Unfortunately, it also remains unclear when mankind first discovered the wondrous gorge. However, the first recorded mention of the breathtaking chasm occurred in the year 1782. Not surprisingly, by the mid-1800’s the formation also featured prominently in the tourism industry of the era.
This remarkable defile also currently aids mankind in a myriad of ways other than simply being pleasing the eye. The location now serves as a source of renewable electric power for the entire region. A total of 5 hydroelectric dams have been constructed in various parts of the amazing ravine.
The stunning natural gulch understandably now additionally represents an extremely popular destination, for both local tourists and non-locals alike. Many people who venture to its location also readily come for such activities as hiking along its banks and kayaking its gorgeous length.
To no great surprise, though, the astonishing nature of the awesome canyon also presents one more feature to attract numerous visitors. Each year, vast numbers of rock-climbers become drawn to the more than 1,500 routes the astounding walls of the Verdon Gorge offer to the adventurous.
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