“The amazing thing is that in the hottest, driest place on the planet, we have these arctic conditions that are allowing the rocks to move,” Norris said.
During three months of observation, the scientists recorded rocks moving at about 3 to 5 m/minute and travelling up to 224 m across the valley.
For those many rocks to move during that period requires a perfect alignment of rainfall, wind and temperature shifts.
Last year, an unusual amount of precipitation left about 7 cm of water on the playa — something that happens only about once every two decades, Norris said.
“You need this confluence of events that is really, really rare,” Norris said.
Friday, August 29, 2014
“It seems unlikely, until you’re there looking at it”
"The phenomenon is similar to ice shove, which occurs when water currents or wind push ice beyond the banks of frozen bodies of water."
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11 comments:
Good post. This kinda stuff fascinates me. Death Valley is on my list of places to visit. It's just so outta the way. But, the southern Utah canyons are as well and that is the most uniquely beautiful spot in this country, IMO.
Well sure, but how about they explain Mexican jumping beans!
Death Valley is a great place - I have spent a lot of time there. From experience I would recommend a winter visit rather than one in summer.
I mountain biked all over the valley - including visiting sites that had Indian petroglyphs. Even though I had to push my bike through drifted sand it was worth the effort.
The geology of the place is amazing and real easy to see, as there is very little vegetation blocking one's view of it.
Parts of the valley are way below sea level - that's pretty cool. And not far away is Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48.
Fascinating area - I really miss it.
Why doesn't the ice leave any marks?
I'm not saying it's aliens, but, it's aliens.
The guy has been there fifteen times trying to figure it out but would prefer not finding out a definitive answer that everyone agrees with. That dichotomy is unscientific!
Oh. He's studied the phenomenon to have his answer that he's willing to share, but he's open to to me having mine. Okay fine. Here's mine. Your first principles are wrong. It's not Death Valley. You are mistaken. It's actually, Rocks Do As They Please Valley.
It's not even a Valley. It just seems that way to your limited vision. It's actually another dimension where rocks prefer to move around a bit on account of it being so goddamn hot.
Okay, I give up. I like your explanation better. It's actually best. BANG! It's universal. Too bad. You don't get your preference for multiple acceptable explanations. You were too good at explaining. Should'a only went there fourteen times.
I wanted to avoid that place since the first time I heard of it in the fifth grade overseas. Because it has the word "death" in it. That word left a lasting impression on me.
Same thing with the Dead Sea.
Who in their right mind would want that?
Sunshine Valley I could go for. Valley of the Dolls sounds attractive. Pleasant Valley, Green Valley, Costa Rica, Buena Vista, all sound like good places to visit. Boca Raton, not so much. Know what I mean?
I used to live in Pleasant Valley - it truly was a pleasant valley and one of the nicest places I have ever had the good fortune to dwell in.
I have been to Boca Raton - I think rat's mouths should sue for defamation.
The is to just call it Boca.
If you say so.
Sixty, I will stop on my way to San Diego in Jan, or on my way back in May.
I have to read the paper on this for next week.
And at the end where he basically said he doesn't *want* to know for sure... that was weird.
Chip... when I was a kid I was TOTALLY FREAKED OUT by "Dead End" signs on roads.
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