Tag Archive for: Wayne County

POTD December 17, 2013: Middle Desert Overlook, Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County, Utah
Photographer: Stefan Kirby

Eroding buttes of the Middle Jurassic-age Entrada Sandstone and overlying Curtis Formation. Middle Desert Overlook, Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County, Utah
Photographer: Tyler Knudsen

Juniper-covered siltstone ledges of the Torrey Member of the Triassic-age Moenkopi Formation (foreground) rise to a seemingly impenetrable wall of Triassic- to Jurassic- age Wingate (red vertical cliffs in middle of photo) and Navajo (white bluffs at top of cliff) Sandstones in Capitol Reef National Park.  Early explorers referred to any long barrier to travel as a “reef,” while the dome-shaped bluffs of Navajo Sandstone reminded them of the United States Capitol building—thus the name “Capitol Reef.”

This photo was submitted to us by Dennis Udink. You can see the Henry Mountains viewed through Summerville Formation hills near the Little Wild Horse road (Goblin Valley area in Emery county).

The Henry Mountains were formed around 31 to 25 million years ago when partially molten rock, from the Earth’s interior, forced its way into overlying sedimentary rocks forming huge domes called laccoliths. Subsequent erosion has exposed the igneous rocks which make up the high peaks of the mountains. Mt Ellen is one of Utah’s highest peaks (outside the Uinta Mountains) at 11,522ft.  The domed and arched sedimentary rocks form the flanks of the range.

One of the more notable inhabitants of the range are the Henry Mountains Bison Herd, which wildlife scientists believe to be only one of four free-roaming, genetically pure bison herds in North America.

Great photo Dennis! Remember, you can always submit photos to the Utah Geological Survey at ugssmedia@gmail.com, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

Temple of the Sun, Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County, Utah
Photographer: Michael Vanden Berg

Two of Capitol Reef National Park’s popular attractions: Glass Mountain (foreground) and Temple of the Sun (background). Glass Mountain is a large exposed mound of selenite gypsum that formed within the Jurassic-aged Entrada Sandstone. The “gypsum plug” became exposed as the relatively soft Entrada Sandstone eroded away. Temple of the Sun is a large monolith that was also created by erosion of the Entrada Sandstone.

 

Capitol Reef National Park, Wayne County, Utah
Photographer: Michael Vanden Berg

A claret cup cactus is neighbor to a basalt boulder in Capitol Reef National Park. Utah’s impressive topography directly influences temperature and precipitation and consequently shapes Utah’s flora and fauna. The state’s substantial elevation differential—over two vertical miles between the highest and lowest points—contributes to a variety of habitats and a great diversity of species. Mountains force air to flow up in a process called “orographic lifting,” which causes air to cool and humidify, and enhances precipitation.