Mysterious rock in Australia and underground secrets

(Dan Tri) - With most of its massive structures hidden deep underground, along with cultural stories, inexplicable experiences and magical color changes, Uluru is always one of the most attractive destinations in the world.

Rising from the flat plains of Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, stands like a mysterious giant. This ancient sandstone monolith, formed more than 550 million years ago, is a wonder of geological erosion and movement.

From a distance, Uluru appears smooth and even, but up close, visitors will notice its surface is full of unique cracks, caves and ledges. The rock’s distinctive red color is the result of iron oxidation, creating a spectacular sight that changes constantly with the light of the day.

From soft pink at dawn to deep earthy red at dusk, the color change makes it seem as if the rock is actually breathing.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock (Photo: Weyf).

The secret of a geological "iceberg"

One of the most amazing things about Uluru is what lies beneath the surface. Like a giant iceberg, the rock we see above ground is just a fraction of its true size.

Scientists estimate that Uluru extends at least 2.5 km underground, and possibly much deeper. This underground portion is made of the same dense sandstone, suggesting it is the remnant of an ancient seabed that petrified hundreds of millions of years ago.

Although there are many legends about secret caves or tunnels, there is no scientific evidence to suggest the existence of large cavities inside the rock.

However, Uluru is surrounded by a complex network of underground water systems that sustain rock pools and native flora and fauna in this arid landscape. The presence of these underground aquifers suggests that the true scale of Uluru is far beyond what meets the eye.

Aerial view of Uluru at sunset (Photo: Dimageau).

Cultural significance and inexplicable experiences

For the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of this land, Uluru is more than just a geological formation. It is a sacred place, deeply connected to Tjukurpa – a system of ancestral laws, knowledge and stories passed down through countless generations.

Every crack, cave and rock on Uluru’s surface has a story and a teaching attached to it, reflecting the spiritual connection between people and the land. Many of the caves contain ancient rock art depicting ancestral stories and life lessons, living testimony to a culture that has existed for thousands of years.

And more than that, Uluru is associated with experiences that are hard to explain. Many visitors report feeling a powerful energy in the air, a strange sense of peace, or even witnessing strange lights and sounds.

Although these stories are only anecdotal, they contribute to the mystique that makes Uluru a place unlike any other on Earth.

The size of Uluru compared to other landmarks (Photo: NT Australia).

Climbing Uluru was once a popular activity, but was banned permanently in 2019 to respect the wishes of the Anangu people, who consider Uluru a sacred site and the climbing route is believed to be the path of their ancestors.

This decision is an important step in honoring cultural traditions and encouraging visitors to experience Uluru by feeling its beauty and sacredness, rather than simply conquering it.

The mystery of Uluru, from the ancient stories hidden in each rock to the enormous mass hidden deep underground, has made it a symbol of respect and awe.

In its silence, this sacred beauty always reminds us of the greatness of nature and the secrets that cannot be fully deciphered.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/tang-da-huyen-bi-o-nuoc-uc-va-nhung-bi-mat-duoi-long-dat-20250923030609590.htm