Week 7 - Death Valley

Close-up of marble showcasing layers, Source: USGS

At the field trip stop called Mosaic Canyon, I noticed the image of the curved canyon walls of marble.  What is now identified as marble rock began as sedimentary rock but with high heat and pressure within the layers transformed into metamorphic rock.  Particularly interesting is the detailed image of the marble showcasing many folded layers.  I would like to examine the folded layers, taking samples from different areas of the region in order to better understand the crustal deformation that took place.  This would allow for a geographic map to provide a more detailed display of this area in contrast to the surrounding points of interest.   

Shoreline Butte's horizontal markings, Source: J. Mikolajczyk 

At the Shoreline Butte stop, there is a photo of the horizontal lines visible at various heights on the side of the butte.  Since each line represents an extended period of the waterline marking the rock, it would be interesting to note how many changes in water level there is evidence of along the butte.  In addition, it would be interesting if possible to determine how long it must have taken for the water to carve these markings.  Perhaps a geologic map could provide some additional information such as corresponding marks elsewhere or way-points to additional evidence of an ancient body of water.   

Sliding rocks at Racetrack Playa, Source: USGS

At the Racetrack Playa stop I noticed an image of one of the rocks that slide across the surface of dry lake leaving small trails behind.  According to recent studies, a combination of slippery mud after a rain storm and naturally formed wind tunnels may be to blame for the movement.  I think a geographic map could help identify rock movements and include the wind patterns for better analysis.   




Frank, D. Death Valley National Park Virtual Geology Field Trip. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from https://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/deva/devaft.html

Mikolajczyk, J. Shoreline Butte. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from https://people.uwec.edu/jolhm/southwest2007/shoreline.html