When we read that the Trona Pinnacles were one of the most unique geological features in the California desert, we immediately pointed our van in their direction. These bizarre rock formations are located in the western Mojave Desert, not far from Death Valley. We could see the spires in the distance and frankly, were a bit disappointed. But then we got closer and closer and the spires took on fantastical different shapes. In geo-speak, they are called "tombstones, ridges and cones." Amazingly, we were able to drive right up to their base and spent an entire afternoon hiking and climbing among this city of alien megaliths.
These strange shapes were formed underwater during three different Ice Ages, from 10,000 to 100,000 years ago. Massive runoff poured down from the Sierra mountains into a chain of inland seas. The calcium rich groundwater mixed with the alkaline lake water to form these "tufa pinnacles." There are 500 of them here, all composed of calcium carbonate and streaks of algae. The tallest tower is about 140 ft. high.
As always, what I found even more fascinating was the discovery of tools made by our ancestors, dating back 10,000 years ago buried between the rocks. The spears and sticks were used in killing the wooly mammoths that roamed the lake's shores. A prehistoric world. An alien world, which still exists today.
No comments:
Post a Comment