My friends Ray and Katie recently visited Racetrack Playa in Death Valley, and I’ve been drooling over the beautiful pictures of Racetrack Playa and its so-called “sailing stones” which they have been posting on Facebook. Ray and Katie have given me permission to share some of their Racetrack Playa pictures with you here on Georneys. Since I’m a little bit busy this week, I’ll just share one picture with you today. Hopefully, next week– if I’m not too exhausted and busy with thesis revisions– I’ll share some more pictures and even muse over some of the explanations for the mysterious “sailing stones.”
Two sailing stones on Racetrack Playa, Death Valley, California, April 2012. Photograph courtesy of my friends Ray and Katie.
Also note the spectacular mud cracks– perhaps we’ll muse a bit on those, too, in the future.
Salt Flat Mirror, Badwater Basin, Death Valley, California, Fall 2005.
Well, I still haven’t had time to write up a substantial blog post. I spent this past weekend writing my thesis, wrapping Christmas gifts (how can it possibly be Christmas next weekend?), writing Christmas cards (and wedding thank-you cards! Finally!), and spending some time with my husband, who arrived home unexpectedly yesterday. He’s been at sea on a sampling campaign, but there’s some trouble with the ship, so he’s home early… and in time for Christmas! Although it makes my husband’s job more stressful, I must say I’m not too dismayed that his ship is having troubles. Even if I have to keep working on my thesis, my husband can at least bring me some Christmas dinner. Also, I’m sending him to the post office today to mail all those Christmas gifts and cards.
Anyway, my poor blog has been neglected once again. However, as promised, here’s the inaugural Monday Geology Picture, which was inspired by last week’s geology pictures. Even when other obligations keep me from blogging regularly over the next few months, I’ll do my best to post this weekly geology picture.
This week’s picture is from the Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California. The Badwater Basin has very little rainfall and contains vast salt flats. In the picture above, a bright white salt flat acts like a mirror, reflecting the landscape. Notably, the Badwater Basin contains the lowest point in North America: 282 feet (82 m) below sea level.
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