Shiprock, Volcanic Plug, Utah
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Shiprock, Volcanic Plug, Utah
Shiprock is a rock formation rising nearly 1, 583 feet above the high-desert plain in New Mexico, USA. It is located in the center of the Ancient Pueblo People or Ancestral Puebloan civilization, a prehistoric Native American culture of the Southwest US often referred to as the Anasazi. Shiprock is composed of fractured volcanic breccia and black dikes of igneous rock called " minette", visible in the foreground. It is the erosional remnant of the throat of a volcano, and the volcanic breccia formed in a diatreme. The exposed rock probably was originally formed 2, 500Ôé¼" 3000 feet below the Earths surface, but it was exposed after millions of years of erosion. Wall-like sheets of minette, known as dikes, radiate away from the central formation. Radiometric age determinations of the minette establish that these volcanic rocks solidified about 27 million years ago
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Media ID 6327897
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Desert Erosion New Mexico Pre Historic Rock Throat Volcanic Volcano Anasazi Breccia Dike Dikes Erosional Geologic Minette Pueblo Shiprock
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the majestic Shiprock, a towering rock formation that stands proudly at an impressive height of 1,583 feet above the high-desert plain in New Mexico, USA. Located in the heart of the Ancient Pueblo People's civilization, also known as the Anasazi, this geological wonder is a testament to both nature's power and ancient Native American culture. Composed of fractured volcanic breccia and striking black dikes called "minette" which are clearly visible in the foreground, Shiprock is actually an erosional remnant of a volcano's throat. The volcanic breccia formed within a diatreme and was originally situated approximately 2,500-3,000 feet below Earth's surface. However, after millions of years of erosion sculpted its surroundings with unparalleled precision and beauty, this magnificent structure now graces our eyes. Radiating away from the central formation are wall-like sheets of minette known as dikes. These geologic features add another layer of intrigue to Shiprock's already awe-inspiring presence. Radiometric age determinations have revealed that these volcanic rocks solidified around 27 million years ago. As we gaze upon this remarkable image captured by OPEN from Science Photo Library, we can't help but marvel at how time has shaped our planet's landscape while preserving remnants like Shiprock for us to admire today. It serves as a reminder not only of Earth's turbulent past but also highlights humanity's deep connection with nature throughout history.
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