Torysh

Torysh is a valley close to the village of Shetpe and the mountain Sherkala in Mangystau, Kazakhstan. Also known as "The Valley of Balls", the area features many spherical rock formations which have formed naturally across the landscape in the sedimentary rock, through a concretion process. It is near the eastern shores of the Caspian Sea and the medieval trading settlement of Kyzylkala.

== Rocks == There has been little research into the formation of the ball-shaped rocks in Torysh. However, there is a prevailing theory that they are the product of various geological processes: Sediment deposition occurs from the Caspian, which used to extend this far, although only to a shallow depth. Various organic and inorganic hard, small items (such as shells, grains of sand and minerals) act as nucleation point, beginning the sedimentation process. Minerals (usually calcites, silicates and iron oxides) precipitate and combine onto the nuclei, known as concretion. The resultant rocks are formed of onion-like layers. The rocks undergo cementation, a process wherein minerals adhere to the deposits to bind them together, forming a much harder, more erosion-resistant rock. Lithification acts on the rocks, making them harder and less porous, while they are compacted, consolidating the visible sedimentary layers. Finally, erosion of the surrounding rock leaves the concretions behind, as uplift from the tectonic plates push the boulders towards the surface.