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Undercutting ... Hermits Rest...Grand Canyon

Undercutting ... Hermits Rest...Grand Canyon

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Elizabeth J Jacob


Free Account, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Undercutting ... Hermits Rest...Grand Canyon

The broad layer of rock near the center of the photo, with vertical cliff faces, is Coconino Sandstone. It is a relatively hard layer of rock that is sometimes described as 'petrified dunes'. Below it, the layer with sloping walls is Hermit Shale, a much softer layer that was deposited in ancient swamps and by rivers and streams.

The Hermit Shales erodes more rapidly than the Coconino Sandstone. I chose this photo because it shows clearly areas of undercutting at the boundary between the two layers. Each of these areas is a site for future collapse of the overriding sandstone.

I also liked the view of the sun-brightened rim of the next side canyon to the west showing above the cloud-shaded rim at Hermits Rest. It reminds the viewer that the Colorado Plateau is far from being a flat, level region. It varies significantly in elevation as you move along the rim.

Location: Hermits Rest, south rim, Grand Canyon NP, Arizona, USA

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