Bizarre ‘sand hoodoos’ appear on beach of Lake Michigan, created by howling wind and frigid temps 

Hoodoos can form in many ways from wind to acid rain that erodes away stone or frozen sand. 

The sturdier ones, like the ones in Bryce National Park in Utah, are often made of stone or volcanic rock. The ones made of sand typically do not last more than a few days and, although similarly shaped, are not considered actually hoodoos. 

The formations are made through weathering and stream erosion. The phenomenon can occur throughout several regions of the world, but mainly occur in hot and dry areas, like New Zealand and Italy, as well as desert areas, like Utah. 

They are also known as tent rocks, fairy chimneys, and earth pyramids. 

Bryce National Park – Utah

The beautiful hoodoos dot the Utah horizon in various shades of red, orange, and white

The highest concentrations of hoodoos can be found in southwestern Utah in Bryce National Park. 

It can be found in the Paunsaugunt Plateau, which extends 20 miles, and in the other natural amphitheaters throughout the park. 

They were formed through headward erosion, which is erosion at the origin of a stream channel. 

The stunning view of the amphitheater is littered with red, orange, and white rocks that can reach up to 200 feet high. 

Putangirua Pinnacles – New Zealand 

The Putangirua Pinnacles were used as a filming location in the Lord of the Rings 

New Zealand is already known for it’s beautiful landscapes and the Putangirua Pinnacles one of the country’s most renown. 

Located at the southern tip of the North Island, these rock formations were created centuries ago by sediment gravel that got washed down from the eroding mountains. 

These formations have been forming for 120,000 years and have been formed through the Putangirua Stream. 

It was also used as a filming location in the Lord of the Rings. 

Earth Pyramids of Ritten – Italy 

The Earth Pyramids in Italy are considered the tallest in Europe, standing at 50 feet

Surrounded by colorful evergreens, these spiky rock formations are composed of moraine clay soil. 

The hoodoos started forming back in the Ice Age and have been eroding for 25,000 years. 

Unlike Bryce National Park and the Putangirua Pinnacles, which are rectangular, these hoodoos are cone-shaped. 

These clay formations are located on the Ritten, which is a local commune that sits on a high plateau. 

Italy’s earth pyramids are considered the tallest in Europe, with some reaching up to 50 feet.  

Source: Treehugger and Geography Realm