This is an image of the polygonal mud cracks that formed in the
Racetrack Playa. From the photo is looks like the polygons are about two to
three inches in length. This is very interesting because of the polygon shape
of the cracks throughout the large area. While it is obvious what caused the mud,
it is not obvious why the cracks appear to have a pattern to them like they do.
Not all dry mud cracks are the same which would make me wonder what would cause
them. I would guess it could be soil type, how fast it dried out, and how many
times the mud dried out. Obviously more factors could be at work, but that is
where I would start. Sources for what type of materials are in the mud along
with nearby geological features would be helpful in figuring this out.
Above is a photo of Artist’s Drive that has a variety of
colors making for a beautiful and bold display. The mountains are curvy and in
every direction. What is interesting is that the sediment difference is what I
would have expected to make the difference in coloring, but rather the color differences
are due to that along with “chemical weathering and hydrothermal alteration”.
What would make me curious is if you can predictably change the color of the
soil based on what you to do it and the type of soil it is. If this is known
then it could be known for other areas where displays like this will occur and
predictions could be made.
The photo above is of Zabriskie Point in Death Valley. Here
you will find very little life and very little that will survive here. The point
is made up of mudstone and sediments like silt and clay. This came from the bodies
of water that were here many years ago. Due to the formation of the soil it
makes it nearly impossible for the soil to give birth to plant life. Water does
come to this point in Death Valley at very intense points in time. Due to the
lack of plant life or anything to keep the structure of the land erosion can
happen quite rapidly. What I find interesting is the shape of the mountains and
how they swivel slightly. I wonder if over time this will begin to become more
like a meandering river would be due to the water going back and forth. What
would really help determine this would be to witness the rain and how much
water volume takes place over the short period of time. This could help you
predict if greater waves would appear in the badlands or not.
Frank, D. (n.d.). Death Valley geology field trip. Retrieved December 9, 2018, from https://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/deva/ftrac1.html
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