 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, Utah

   March 18, 2021

    Newspaper Rock main panel

   Photographer:  Rick Stankiewicz
   Summary Author:  Rick Stankiewicz

   The U.S. Southwest is full of interesting  geological formations and
   history. Tracking down traces of human history in the landscape can be
   equally interesting and rewarding. Such was the case when I was touring
   through southern Utah a few years ago. I had read of a location In San
   Juan County, along Hwy-211, 12 miles (8 km) west of US-191, north of
   the  Abajo Mountains called  Newspaper Rock State Historical
   Monument (not to be confused with  Newspaper Rock at the
    Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona). This site is easily
   accessible by car and a short walk from a parking lot. It's aptly named
   for the hundreds of  petroglyphs carved into the black  desert
   varnished  Wingate Sandstone face. This darkened surface coloration
   is caused by high levels of  manganese. Other terms for this feature
   are  rock rust or  desert patina.

   There are several smaller side panels but the main panel, one of the
   most densely populated rock faces I have ever seen, is protected and
   well preserved by a small lintel. Images include a myriad of abstract
   designs along with human figures (some riding horses), wildlife such as
    buffalo,  bighorn sheep,  mule deer and many six-toed foot
   (or paw) prints. Some sources estimate this site to be used for
    over 2,000 years, from the  Archaic to  Pueblo Cultures.
   Recent images include horse-mounted riders hunting with bows and
   arrows. It is thought that ceremonies may have been performed here or
   perhaps it was a place for marking events and passages through the
   region. What can you find of interest in this edition of the newspaper?
   Photo taken October 8, 2013.

   Photo Details: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, f/5.6, 1/60, 10mm
     * Newspaper Rock State Historical Monument, Utah Coordinates:
        37.9883, -109.51817

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History Links

     *  Paleoclimatology Data
     *  USGS: Age of the Earth
     *  What is Geologic Time?
     *  GSA Geologic Time Scale
     *  Earth Facts
     *  Earth History Courses

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