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| Sandstone model of Star Wars Imperial Destroyer |
North Coyotte Buttes in the Vermillion Cliffs wilderness area is mostly famous for "The Wave", an eroded fossilized sand dune, part of the Navajo sandstone, a geologic formation of Glen Canyon Group. The massive cross-bedded sandstone demonstrates their aeolian origin, while the colors originate from diagenesis. Groundwater has dissolved and precipitated minerals in the pore spaces of the rock. The forces of erosion have sculpted this magnificent landscape, worth exploring.
Before heading to the Wave, which is at its best after mid-morning, I decided to explore the buttes. I was fascinated by such beauty as I was walking through the buttes. Low angle light from the rising sun is perfect to raise the natural color of the rock, from purple to red, orange to yellow.
The Southwest is a vast arid region where rock exposures abound, with canyons and cliffs. I can already promise myself that I will keep exploring this area, so full of surprises.
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Geology of the Grand Staircase, the succession of sedimentary rocks in the Southwest (sources wikipedia
   
   
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