Sandstone Pillars in New Mexico May Be Fossilized Termite Nests
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More than 100 sandstone pillars in New Mexico reaching heights of 20 feet appear to be giant fossilized termite nests roughly 155 million years old, researchers from the University of Colorado told the geological society meeting. The pillars, up to six feet in diameter, were previously thought to be fulgurites, glassy mixtures of sand and rock fused together by lightning strikes.
But geologist Stephen Hasiotis said the pillars contain intricate, interconnected galleries and chambers nearly identical to the interior structures of contemporary social termite nests. The nests extend as much as 120 feet below the ground.
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