Scientists found a formation on the Pacific Ocean floor near Hawaii that looks like a yellow brick road but is entirely natural.
The discovery was made during a 2022 expedition by the research vessel Nautilus inside the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
At over 3,000 meters depth, the team observed a rocky surface with geometric patterns resembling carefully laid tiles.
Despite the artificial appearance, analysis shows the structure formed from volcanic activity underwater.
Rapid cooling of lava when it contacted cold seawater caused thermal contraction and fracturing at right angles.
These fractures created block-like shapes that mimic human-made paving over time.
The rock type identified is hyaloclastite, formed when lava shatters upon contact with water.
This process produces fragmented deposits that can develop regular patterns under specific conditions.
Similar formations exist elsewhere, such as the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
The finding highlights how little of the ocean floor has been explored, with only 3% of the monument studied so far.
Studying such features helps scientists understand volcanic processes and Earth’s geological history.
What caused the rock to crack in geometric patterns?
Thermal stress from rapid cooling of lava in seawater led to contraction and fracturing at right angles.
Why does the formation resemble a human-made road?
>The natural fracturing created block-like shapes with 90-degree angles that visually resemble tiles or bricks.