Southeast Utah Geology


		Southeast Utah Geology Southeast Utah Geology May 19, 2007. We stayed in Cottonwood Campground in Bluff, Utah. Several private RV-Parks were available in Bluff. We chose Cottonwood. The others were just as nice. One mile west of town is Sand Island Department of the Interior Campground with no utilites. It was OK as well. Cottonwood was $20 for a FHU site. Sandstone in every direction on US-163 between Bluff and Mexican Hat This is a good summary of what the scenery looks like on US-163 west of Bluff, Utah. Sandstone as far as the eye can see. Geology as seen from US-163 between Bluff and Mexican Hat Typical southern Utah geology between Mexican Hat and Bluff. Hoodoo in sandstone created by a hard caprock This formation is a hoodoo. Hoodoos are created in arid areas where a hard caprock protects the softer material underneath. You can see horizontal layer upon layer of sedimentary rocks. Mexican Hat Rock example of a "caprock" protecting the softer layers below it This is a better view of the eponyous Mexican Hat Rock. The "hat" is a fine example of a geological caprock. Also look beyond the Mexican Hat Rock at the sedimentary rock in the bluff. Notice how the sedimentary layers are almost vertical on the left side of the picture. That is a fault line, probably a block fault where the right side faulted up and the left side faulted down. Block fault visible in sedimentary rocks Between Mexican Hat Rock and the town of Mexican Hat are these colorful patterns of erosion visible to the south of US-163. This is called a block fault. Block faults occur when one side moves up and the other moves down. This is a textbook example of geology we all learned in the 4th grade. Block fault visible in sedimentary rocks I like the pattern is this block fault exposed by erosion. In this block fault the center has been thrust upward while the left side has sunk. The sedimentary rocks bend, yes even break along that fault creating an awesome visual. Fault exposed The odd shapes are created by faulting and erosion in this sedimentary rock formation east of Mexican Hat, Utah. The geologic "bluff" that Bluff, Utah was named for Ok, we are staying in Bluff, Utah. Do you have any idea how it got the name "Bluff"? Well, in the picture you will find a clue. Yes, this is the eponymous bluff of Bluff, Utah. Sandstone roadcut between Bluff & Mexican Hat, Utah West of Bluff on our way to Mexican Hat we passed through some impressive sandstone road cuts. If you liked this Travel Adventure you might like one of these: Goosenecks on the San Juan River southern Utah Moki Dugway Moki Dugway is a series of sharp switchbacks down a steep gravel road over less than three miles: One of the best drives you will ever do. Natural Bridges National Monument in southern Utah Click here for more Utah Travel Adventures More Utah Adventures Plants Trees and Flowers More 2007 Travel Adventures Mike & Joyce Hendrix Mike & Joyce Hendrix who we are We hope you liked this page. If you do you might be interested in some of our other Travel Adventures: Mike & Joyce Hendrix's home page Travel Adventures by Year Travel Adventures by State Plants Marine-Boats Geology Exciting Drives Cute Signs RV Subjects Miscellaneous Subjects** We would love to hear from you......just put "info" in the place of "FAKE" in this address: FAKE@travellogs.us Until next time remember how good life is.