Why The Blue Mountains Are Blue? — Read Below To Know More
Seen from above, the Blue Mountains have a shimmering blue hue to them, hence the name. Thousands of eucalyptus trees in the region are the source of this blue haze.
Their leaves emit a slight fog in the sun, and this, mixed with dust particles and water vapor, makes the fog appear blue at a distance. Read more to know why Blue Mountains are blue!
Why are the Blue Mountains Are Blue?
What is the reason behind the Blue Mountains of Australia called the Blue Mountains? The Blue Mountains, renowned for their limitless eucalyptus (gum tree) forests, are home to all four different varieties of eucalyptus trees present in Australia. These trees are found in dedicated natural forest areas and thrive in canyons, ridges, cliffs, and many waterfalls in the country. High temperatures allow these gum trees to emit an adequate fog discharge from the eucalyptus oil leaves. This oil mist then mixes with dust particles and water vapor as it rises to surround the region giving it an overall blue hue, particularly when the sun shines high and clear.
Creation of the Blue Mountains
Millions of years ago, the sea engulfed the area. When the sea level was too high, bucket loads of residues plummeted into the ocean, coating the surface and gradually compressing into sandstone and shale. Eventually, the river dropped, leaving behind hard rocks, and due to the constant erosion of the water and the atmosphere, the stone finally melted into the hills. Still, more molding came during continuous volcanic eruptions, which allowed the lava to spread into the rock’s cracks. All this has taken about 250 million years, and the region has naturally created magnificent cliffs, rock formations, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls, and thick forests surrounding the area.
Reason behind the Blue Mountain!
The name is probably entirely due to the sort of bushland inhabiting the mountains, more precisely the eucalyptus tree! The eucalyptus is scattered across the hills and is one of the most common varieties of plants found throughout it. Often known as gum trees, these trees are a significant plant in the Blue Mountains, the only food supply for the beloved koalas and the habitat of local birds. One of the eucalyptus tree’s critical factors is the oil found in the leaves, which is used for a variety of human benefits. However, Sydney’s scorching sun plays a role in these trees, steadily heating the leaves until the oil falls out in the fog. This oil smoke mist engulfed the area, producing a lovely, crisp scent of bush in the area. Looking at the Sydney Mountains, in particular, the oil fog covers the entire range, making the mountains appear blue from a distance. These are reasons why Blue Mountains are called blue!
