The Collonade [Colonnade], Staffa

Category

Library Item

Item no

24445

Title

The Collonade [Colonnade], Staffa

Description

Volcanic rock columns taking a hexagonal shape form a vast wall of rock on the coast of Staffa Island. The sea surrounds the base of the rock.

Artist / maker

Valentine, James

Date

1865

Size

18.9 x 23.8 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Staffa is a small island in the Southern Hebrides. Staffa lies off the west coast of Mull. It is a small uninhabited island which is famous for its volcanic basalt columns. On the south coast of the island, to the east of Fingal's Cave, is the Colonnade or the Great Face. This is a vast wall of columns reaching a height of 17m (56ft). The hexagonal basalt columns are a result of lava flows cooling when coming into contact with the water. The hexagonal shape is due to the cooling and contracting process.

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Related subjects

Landscape > Land > Caves

Landscape > Land > Coastlines

Landscape > Land > Islands

Landscape > Land > Rock formations

Places > Scotland > Mull

Places > United Kingdom > Scotland

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