A Lacy Curtain of Stone

 

    

Photographer: Stan Wagon 

Summary Author: Stan Wagon 

Shown above is a remarkable lacy formation in the Navajo sandstone of Vermillion Cliffs, Arizona. More detail can be seen in the bottom photo. Tens of thousands of years ago, a thin (about 3 mm) layer of sand here was compressed more than its surroundings. This “compression band” became a very thin curtain-like stone feature, less permeable to water and therefore more resistant to erosion.

Photo details:  SONY A6500 camera; 14 mm lens; 1/200 second exposure; f13; ISO 250.

 

Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona Coordinates: 36.8625, -111.8270

Related Links:

Cross-bedding in Navajo Sandstone

Porosity and grain size controls in Jurassic Navajo Sandstone