Today’s geology picture of the day is from flickr user cocoi_m and features two hoodoos found at Tent Rocks National Monument in New Mexico.
So what exactly is a hoodoo you might ask? They are pillars of rock or sediment that are capped on top by a more erosion-resistant piece of rock. As the less competent rock surrounding it erodes away, these pillars are formed. Wikipedia has more information too.
Some of the most famous hoodoos in the world occur in Bryce Canyon in Utah, but you can find them in many places such as the Putangirua Pinnacles in New Zealand and Pinnacles National Monument in California.
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The Putangirua Pinnacles are quite impressive. But if you want a quick glimpse of the hoodoos’ bases without flying all the way out to New Zealand, watch “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. As Aragon and co are riding up to the halls of the dead, they’re actually moving along the bases of the Putangirua Pinnacles (and of course, the whole LOTR trilogy could be taken as a basic course in geology).
If anyone does manage to get out to Palliser Bay (about 2 hours drive from Wellington), make sure you also take a look at Kupe’s Sail, a fine example of a tectonically tilted block.
Hey Chris,
Yeah, I remember seeing them in the movie. I’ve actually been there myself (hence why I remembered them in this post). Impressive place.
Kupe’s Sail looks impressive. I actually don’t think we ever stopped there, which is a shame since we were in the area. Thanks for the linkage.