INSIDE MAURITIUS THE ART OF DISCOVERY 58 from the crusty and watery restraint the volcanoes could now rumble and spew out molten rock as much as they wished. Volcanic activity began elaborating, layer of basalt after layer of pyroclast, in quiet eruptions followed by explosive episodes, the huge volcano of the “ancient series”. It took 3 million years to construct this majestic strato-volcano that stood at 900 metres in height, with a diameter of 40 km. The molten rock had barely solidified when erosion got hold of its chisel and hammer and began hitting on the new basalt. It started giving rise to shapes in a splash of dust. Rain, wind, rivers and heat became tools and carved, chiseled, shaped and polished the big The mountains of Mauritius look like giant sculptures fashioned by the fanciful hands of Nature. They catch the eyes of the onlooker and stimulate the imagination of poets. They are called by the names of animals, of humans in different postures or else of parts of the body, depending on their shapes or the mood of the gazer. Mauritians and visitors experience the mountains like mysterious monuments that grace the tropical scenery with subtle messages. BIRTH OF AN ISLAND Mauritius emerged from the ocean some 10 million years ago, in an explosive outburst of hot lavas, confronting sea and air. Freed
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjMzMjI=