21 Natural Rock Formations That Look Like They Belong on Another Planet

8. The Towering Tufa of Mono Lake

Mono Lake, located in eastern California, is a saline soda lake renowned for its striking tufa towers. These calcium-carbonate formations are created when freshwater springs interact with the alkaline waters of the lake, precipitating minerals that form the towers. Mono Lake's unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds that rely on the lake's brine shrimp and alkali flies for sustenance. The tufa towers, some reaching heights of over 30 feet, create a surreal and enchanting landscape, particularly when reflected in the lake's calm waters. Mono Lake is a testament to the delicate balance of natural processes, where the forces of geology and biology have combined to create a landscape that is both beautiful and ecologically significant.