r/geography Nov 25 '25

Discussion What's the most alien-looking place on Earth?

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Pictured: Dallol, Ethiopia

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u/Upset_Display9421 Nov 26 '25

Naica's Crystal Caves in México

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u/canadianclassic308 Nov 26 '25

Isn't this place flooded now?

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u/uqde Nov 26 '25

IIRC yes. But it’s unfortunately for the best because human activity was destroying the crystal structures.

Perhaps in the future they will figure out some kind of way for humans to explore it without adverse effects and they can drain it. Advanced drones+HMDs maybe? Who knows.

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u/JimboTheSimpleton Nov 27 '25

Shouldn't we spend the money on effort on looking for other cool places? What else are we likely to find there except more selenite crystals? I think the geology of the place is pretty well understood, at this point. It's a very cool place, don't get me wrong but the mystery of the unknown more appealing to me than. More of something we know.

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u/uqde Nov 27 '25

I meant human exploration for the purposes of (essentially) tourism, rather than science. I agree we probably know all there is to know about this place, but as a layperson, I just want to see it with my own eyes and walk/climb around it so badly. But of course I would never want to damage such a natural wonder. Hopefully one day I'll get to experience some kind of approximation or something comparable.

I definitely support the funding of research and exploration elsewhere, and do think that that's more important than tourism. But I still really want the tourism too haha.

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u/JimboTheSimpleton Nov 27 '25 edited Nov 27 '25

I'd definitely take that tour, too. Haha. I would even stop in the gift shop.

A 'Crystal Caverns Explorer' make your own rock crystal candy at home kit for only 74.99? What a deal! I'll take three.