kolumnaarinen
Kolumnaarinen is a term used in Finnish geology to describe columnar jointing in volcanic rocks. It refers to the regular, polygonal fracture pattern that forms as hot lava or magma cools and contracts, producing vertical, closely spaced columns. The columns are commonly hexagonal in cross-section, but other polygonal shapes are also found.
Formation occurs when thick lava flows or lava lakes solidify. Shrinkage during cooling causes fractures to
Distribution and examples: Columnar jointing occurs globally, especially in basaltic rocks, and is visible at sites
Significance: Kolumnaarinen joints provide clues about past cooling rates and volcanic history. They influence rock strength,