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Arthur DeMarUpward Bound Geology Student |
| Slot Canyons | Sand Dunes | Antelope Canyon Formation | | |
Canyons are significantly narrower then they are wide. Canyons are formed with wind and water erosion processes. The formation of a slot canyon occurs when an arroyo or a channel begins to erode a joint until it is carved, cut, and forms a canyon. The canyon's walls are still being change and reshaped by wind and water. As all the Upward Bound participants entered the canyon we were able to observe the years of erosion that occurred inside the canyon walls. The walls of sandstone throughout the canyon that have been eroded allowing the eye to see magnificent views that can only be described as breathtaking. Although a hot scene for photographers the pictures on paper give no justice to the beauty of this canyon and it's history.
A sand dune is formed when sand blows across a dry empty desert and builds up on top of other grains of sand, thus creating pressure that causes the sand to compress and stabilize. Wind is one of the leading factors to some of the desert features known as sand dunes. Winds 10 miles per hour are all that is needed for the suspension and deposition of the sand. The sand dunes of the this area, southwest Colorado Plateau, are composed of Quartz and Feldspar that can be identified by investigating the sand's color and composition. The Navajo Sandstone that is present in this area was a huge sand dune field in the Jurassic Period, 225 million years ago. These sand dunes changed to sandstone after the deep burial, compaction, and lithification of the sand.
The Navajo Sandstone that was formed by sand dunes 225 million years was the same stone that was to be eroded by wind and water. As the Colorado River carved a joint, the wind and water erosion formed Antelope Canyon from the sandstone walls. Each year the canyon is changed more and more by erosion. It is only a matter of time until the canyon will be reshaped and viewed by others seeing a different ceiling, different walls, and hopefully a lot less photographers.
Our group was able to see the beautiful sights of canyon and find out how the canyon was formed. But as a tourist attraction or a study site this canyon is stupendous in its sights and history.
Last updated Monday, May 20, 2002.
This site was created by Arthur DeMar
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