MELISSA FARLOW_MM6659_705695.jpg
Delicate rock formations shaped by wind erosion overlook the Grand Canyon. The Navajo sandstone layer formed 190 million years ago in the early Jurassic period. Southern Utah was much closer to the equator and giant, wind-whipped sand dunes dominated the landscape. Polar ice caps melted and the climate changed forming an inland sea that covered the Southwest. Water seeped down into the sand, carrying minerals with a mineral composition of iron, calcium carbonate, and manganese which gave the rock warm colors.
- Copyright
- MELISSA FARLOW
- Image Size
- 4944x3312 / 5.0MB
- Keywords
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arizona, balance (concept), concepts (subject), erosion, landscapes, natural forces and phenomena, natural history (subject), north america, paria canyon vermilion cliffs wilderness area (arizona), rock formations, scenes and views, scenic overlooks, southwestern states, subject, united states, water and wind erosion, wilderness areas (arizona)
- Contained in galleries
- The Big Open_Public Lands_National Geographic magazine and book 8/2001
