Bay of Biscay in the Basque Coast Geopark near Bilbao, Spain

© Olimpio Fantuz/eStock Phot

Prehistoric trails. International Geodiversity Day

These dragon tail-like structures that stretch into the Bay of Biscay in northern Spain are part of one of the most unique geological formations on the planet. Along eight miles of cliffs here in the Basque Coast Geopark, you’ll find these remarkable rock layers known as Flysch deposits. To the trained eye, they offer an insight into 60 million years of geological history, including catastrophic events such as the asteroid strike which is thought to have led to the demise of the dinosaurs. It’s a wonderland for geologists, and for people who just like looking at cool rocks.

Today is International Geodiversity Day, which highlights the importance of geoscience in solving major challenges of today. This can include the study of geology, the layers of the Earth, the atmosphere, hydrosphere (all the waters on Earth's surface) and biosphere (the parts of the Earth where life exists).