Rock Formations

Rock Formations

The Narrows in Zion National Park was created by a river cutting through softer sediment and leaving walls of harder rock behind. You can wade up the river and admire the results.

Sediment (rocks and minerals) were deposited over the Utah region for hundreds of millions of years. An ancient ocean existed here, as well as seas, tidal flats and deserts. These changing environments left behind layers of different types of earth and rock.

Who what?! Hoodoos
Hoodoos are formed when erosion from wind and water cut down into the layers of rock leaving statue-like formations. In order for a hoodoo to form there must be a cap rock. This is a rock that is strong enough to survive the elements and can protect the soil beneath it from being washed away.
The photo above was taken in Red Canyon and the one at right is from "The Hat Shop" in Bryce Canyon.

Over millions of years, earthquakes, wind, extreme temperatures (hot & cold), and water (ice, rain, and rivers) have carved breathtaking landscapes in this earth. Experiencing this area has deepened my conviction that nature is the most magnificent artist of all time.

"Sunken Ship," as this rock formation in Bryce Canyon is called, is the result of an earthquake which sank the lefthand side of the plateau.

This photo shows the muddy colored water that results when the reddish sandstone soils are eroded and flow into creeks and rivers.

Mike@Kahncious.Net

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