Abstract
O'Reilly's (1879) data for the columnar structure of the Giant's Causeway exhibit a strong correlation of neighbouring sides and angles which has not been previously noted. It illustrates the nature of the problem posed by the Causeway, in that the crack network responsible for the structure, although irregular, is remarkably homogeneous. We argue here that existing models are inadequate and propose a new one, in which the dynamics of vertical crack propagation have an essential role.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on SpringerLink
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Mallet, R. Phil. Mag. 50, 122–135 (1875).
Smalley, I. J. Geol. Mag. 103, 110–114 (1966).
Getis, A. & Boots, B. Models of Spatial Processes (Cambridge University Press, 1978).
Thompson, D'A. W. On Growth and Form (Cambridge University Press, 1942).
Lachenbruch, A. H. Geol. Soc. Am. Spec. Pap. 70, (1962).
O'Reilly, J. P. Trans. R. Ir. Acad. 26, 641–734 (1879).
Smalley, I.J. Nature 291, 359 (1981).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Weaire, D., O'Carroll, C. A new model for the Giant's Causeway. Nature 302, 240–241 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1038/302240a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/302240a0
