#geologic formation

[cpleblow]

Devil's Backbone

Loveland, Colorado

©Cpleblow (2023)

[gardenerchance-v2]

Driving through the San Rafael Swell in central Utah

Still Springtime— very nice light green in the grasses

... and the wide, wide views...

[covrettcreative]

Stone and Legend

Seen on Flowerpot Island, Ontario, Canada.

[covrettcreative]

Time Tested

Seen on Flowerpot Island, Ontario, Canada.

[quinndreamsoftravel]

South Arch (Twin Arches)

[mypubliclands]

#mypubliclandsroadtrip heads to Southern Oregon for a Little Known, Geologic Wonder - BLM Oregon’s Crack in the Ground

Over time, earthquakes and volcanos have split and splintered the earth's surface. Such shocks to the system are not uncommon over the span of six billion years. But still, they have caused many cracks and blisters in the ground.

So...why doesn't more of our earth look like the Grand Canyon, if not "Land of the Lost?"  Rock rubble, along with hardening lava, generally serve to refill and patch up fissures. As the earth cracks, so it fills itself. But not all breaks mend equally.  

Crack in the Ground is a volcanic fissure over two miles long and up to 70 feet deep in Lake County, Oregon. The length of the fissure can be hiked, as there is an established trail along the fissure's bottom. Normally, fissures like this one are filled in with soil and rock by the processes of erosion and sedimentation, but because Crack in the Ground is located in such an arid region, very little filling has occurred. As a result, Crack in the Ground exists today nearly as it did shortly after its formation. When you get there it is easy to cool off, as the bottom of the crack can be as much as twenty degrees below the surface temperature. CLICK HERE to learn more and plan a visit.

Photos and story by Kevin Abel, BLM Oregon

[mypubliclands]

#mypubliclandsroadtrip explores an amazing hiking location - with cool geologic formations, wildlife and petroglyphs -- for National Get Outdoors Day!

The spectacular scenery at Little City of Rocks in Idaho provides a great setting for recreation. There are abundant opportunities for hiking at all levels of experience in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. Although there are no official, established trails in this area, you can easily hike up the main access road, which is closed to motorized vehicles. The area also has many small side drainages that invite exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as deer, elk and antelope, as well as for petroglyphs that cover several rock faces. It is important to remember to leave the area as you find it and pack out what you pack in. Help maintain the gentle beauty of this fragile environment.

CLICK HERE for an Associated Driving Tour (includes Little City of Rocks).