Photo by reurinkjan

The sport of mountain climbing was born in 1760, when a young Genevese scientist, Horace-Benedict de Saussure, offered prize money for the first person to reach the summit of Mount Blanc, Europe’s tallest peak. But long before that time humans have been climbing mountains for the challenge it poses. Or “because it’s there” as English mountaineer George Mallory famously replied when he was asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. A few months later he disappeared on the way to the summit.
Some of the mountains on this list …

Photo by Birchster

Volcanoes have long been a source of myths and legens. To ancient cultures, volcanoes’ power could only be explained as acts of gods or demigods. We now know that volcanoes are in fact the result of the tectonic movements of the Earth’s crust. But although we understand their inner workings they still represent a force of nature that can be intimidating and bewildering. Here is our list of the most amazing volcanoes in the world.

Photo by Gleb TARRO www.fotowalk.com

Rock formations are created by the elements such as heat, wind, rain, and erosion. What nature has done with these tools on the palette of the earth is both breath taking and mind boggling. These incredible natural rock formations were created slowly over millions of years using the hardest materials. Thankfully for us, nature is a patient artist.

Photo by amerune

Some of the most interesting landscapes in the world are in the most desolate, dry regions of the world. From magnificent sand dune fields and vast expanses of sun-reflecting salt to gargantuan rock formations. As deserts cover almost one third of the Earth’s land surface this top 10 features only a tiny selection of these amazing landscapes.

Photo by thejerk

In order to make the best of poor soil, water conservation, and mountainous terrain, terraced farming was introduced by various cultures around the world. Extremely labor intensive to build, terracing allowed the land to support civilization’s increased need for crops, livestock and poultry. Erosion was avoided, rain and runoff water was preserved, and otherwise unused hillside became arable due to terraced agriculture. Not only do these terraced fields provide essential goods for the local people but they also feature some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world.