Atop Merrimac Butte

Atop Merrimac Butte   The white stone atop is known as Moab Tongue, a part of the Curtis formation. The hard white rock acts as a capstone for the softer Entrada sandstone below, protecting it from weathering effects. Once the capstone wears away, however, the sandstone below quickly crumbles, a process which has chipped away to form these dramatic buttes, and in time will erase them altogether.
Also in: Landscapes

Camera info

  • DJI FC220
  • 26.3 mm f/2.2
  • f/2.2
  • 1/200 sec
  • ISO 100
  • 4.7mm
  • No Flash

Caption

The white stone atop is known as Moab Tongue, a part of the Curtis formation. The hard white rock acts as a capstone for the softer Entrada sandstone below, protecting it from weathering effects. Once the capstone wears away, however, the sandstone below quickly crumbles, a process which has chipped away to form these dramatic buttes, and in time will erase them altogether.

Image info

  • Name: Atop Merrimac Butte
  • Uploaded: 2017 May 8 19:23
  • Captured: 2017 Feb 9 17:12
  • Also in: Landscapes
  • Photographer: Nathan Yan
  • License: © All rights reserved