FROM ICE bubbles to boiling lava, these photographs highlight the stunning shapes and patterns found in nature. The series of extraordinary images were taken by German software engineer Thorsten Scheuermann after he decided to examine his surroundings. A trip to the city of Kalapana in Hawaii, home to the Kilauea Volcano, provided Thorsten with the setting for his lava picture, while a visit to the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon offered him the opportunity to photograph ice bubbles up-close. The 37-year-old, now of Washington, USA, said: 'These are sights that can gain greater significance and have their beauty exposed when excluding everything else around them.'
Gigantic 100ft waves create the perfect playground for dare-devil surfers from across the world .
NATURE PAPARAZZIS prove you don't have to be Justin Bieber or Cheryl Cole to attract a pack of photographers .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
DIVING boffins fired harpoons into 30-foot-long whale sharks in a bid to put the sea-beasts on Google Maps .
STOOD side by side next to a busy road, these buildings were once bustling with life .
From vibrant blues to dazzling oranges, these eye catching hummingbirds proudly show off their impressive colours .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
A baby sperm whale assumed the role of a friendly giant when faced with two awestruck divers .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
A TEN-THOUSAND square foot wide Avatar-style grove is such a beauty it will leave you feeling VINE .
SITTING on a burning sofa unable to move, one man turns his terrifying dreams into reality .