The project gutenberg ebook of the geologic story of canyonlands national park, by s. The upheaval dome impact crater is one of the united states most famous impact structures due to its location within the boundaries of canyonlands national park, near moab, utah. Herkenhoff 2 jet propulsion laboratory, california institute of technology, pasadena abstract. Engineering 12 mining and minerals 43 uranium and vanadium 9 coal resources 49 fossil energy 2 coal and coalbed methane 49 tar sands and oil shale 25 uinta basin studies ferron sandstone studies 15 green river formation 8 oil and gas 64 minerals and mining 3 gold rocks, minerals, and fossils 41. I am now addicted to halka chronics roadside geology books. An illustration of upheaval dome created in 3d with esri arcscene using a 10mresolution dem digital elevation map and 4m. Parker, who hypothesized that the structure was due to salt doming harrison, 1927. This photograph of upheaval dome was taken by an astronaut onboard the international space station. The core consists of the oldest rock formations at upheaval. Upheaval dome is a geologic structure whose origins have remained hotly debated for years. Upheaval dome, a possible salt dome in the paradox basin.
The views are impressive, but an even better view can be had by following. The stucture is, according to the university of new brunswick impact databas. This short and rewarding hike is a highlight for many visitors to the canyonlands area. Hike to upheaval dome overlook, upheaval dome trailhead. Structurally the feature is a deeply eroded dome an area where rock units are uparched a few hundred feet surrounded by rocks that are nearly horizontal and undeformed. The trailhead is located near the end of the upheaval dome road, in the island in the sky district of canyonlands national park. Lunar and planetary institute third international conference on large meteorite impacts, august 57th, 2003, nordlingen, germany. He wrote and published many books and booklets about the area, and this is one of his best. Unique geology and remarkable landscapes in canyonlands np. Archeology of southeastern utah, in geology and economic.
Structural observations and stratigraphic variability in jurassic strata, upheaval dome, canyonlands national park, utah, usa. We document here a new explanation for the origin of upheaval dome the pinchedoff salt diapir hypothesis. Detailed geologic mapping and seismic refraction data indicate that the dome originated by collapse of a transient cavity formed by impact. Follow the wide, sandy trail to the eastern edge of whale rock. If this theory had been true, upheaval dome would have had the distinction of being the most deeply eroded salt structure on earth. Upheaval dome, a possible salt dome in the paradox basin, utah 1. Canyonlands, upheaval dome creative commons attributionshare alike 3. Patterns of deformation within the upheaval dome structure, utah, provide important clues for assessing its possible impact origin. Upheaval dome is an impact structure, the deeply eroded bottommost remnants of an impact crater, in canyonlands national park southwest of the city of moab, utah, in the united states. A large, mazelike wilderness of rocky mesas, cliffs, canyons, and rivers, canyonlands national park protects an amazing region of southeast utah. On thursday, huntoon and koeberl introduced the upheaval dome and the forum moved to moab, utah, where we closed in on structure for the next three days. Upheaval dome, canyonlands national park hudson valley. The complex structure of the innermost part of the dome, in particular of the white rim sandstone wrs, indicated almost complete loss of internal coherence during deformation. Lohman this ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the united states and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever.
Geological evolution of the colorado plateau of eastern utah. The crater is located in the island in the sky section of the park, and is approximately 42 miles 67 km by vehicle from moab. Changes in climate and depostional environment has left an interesting mix of rocks present today. No matter what the true answer is, there is no question that this. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the geologic story of canyonlands national park. When geologists first suggested that upheaval dome was the result of a salt dome, they believed the land form resulted from erosion of the rock layers above the dome itself. Strata that range in age from permian to jurassic are exposed in the dome and all have been deformed by the forces which produced the feature. Upheaval dome crater the upheaval dome impact crater is one of the united states most famous impact structures due to its location within the boundaries of canyonlands national park, near moab, utah. Upheaval dome is a popular area within canyonlands national park where visitors are treated to a range of short and longer hikes and nice viewpoints into what is a genuinely unique geological land formation. Research suggested that a salt bubble, as well as the overlying rock, had been entirely removed by erosion and the present surface of upheaval dome was the pinchedoff stem below the missing bubble. Boundary butte 8015373320 local phone 1888utahmap toll free.
To supplement courses in geology at the high school and college levels. It is about eight thousand feet across and over one thousand feet deep. A panorama stitched from photos taken from the south rim looking northward into the structure in sept. Upheaval dome overlook trail hiking trail, moab, utah. Dike formation, cataclastic flow, and rock fluidization. The dome is emphatically interpreted as both a salt piercement structure e.
Definitely do the hike out to the second overlook as this will give you a little more solitude. The positive identification of the rock elm impact structure wisconsin, usa and the upheaval dome utah, usa as impact craters was complicated by a lack of distinctive shock features in the record. Canyonlands and arches national parks by bill schneider. If you wish to return to the main geology page, please click here dome structures are found where forces deep under the crust have thrust a portion of the earth upward. For decades, two theories about the formation of utahs upheaval dome jostled for supremacy. Geologic report discussing hypotheses for upheaval dome formation, utah. Two vastly different phenomena, impact and salt diapirism, have been proposed for the origin of upheaval dome, a spectacular scenic feature in southeast utah. A good appreciation of the nature of reservoir and nonreservoir rocks in the subsurface is of fundamental importance to sound ep decision making. The trailhead is located at the end of the upheaval dome road, in the island in the sky district of canyonlands national park.
But i love utahs weird geology as much as i love arizonas, so roadside geology of utah was the next read in the stack. Although the land around it is flat, the layers that make up upheaval dome are layered in a raised circle, surrounded by a ringlike depression. Structurally the feature is a deeply eroded dome an area where rock units are uparched a few hundred feet surrounded by rocks that are nearly. Hikingupheaval dome overlook upheaval dome is a geographic oddity, an anticline where rocks have been pushed up and then eroded to produce interesting strata. Experience the rugged terrain of canyonlands national park with 4wheel drive transportation on a halfday tour from moab. Canyonlands national park, southeast utah, is an eroded im pact structure. United states meteorite impact craters upheaval dome crater. This site tries to compliment the incredible geologic exposures of the colorado plateau by supplying articles, information, products and data which will aid those seeking to understand the geology that makes utah amazing.
It is circular in shape and has at its center an uplift typical of impact structures. The unusual shape of a noted geologic feature in utahs canyonlands national park becomes fully clear only from the air. United states meteorite impact craters upheaval dome. This page describes domes, cryptovolcanic domes, basins, salt domes, and local basins. Feel free to use or modify this presentation however you choose. The geologic story of canyonlands national park kindle edition by s. Upheaval dome canyonlands national park 2020 all you need. Upheaval dome is a breached domal structure that is surrounded by a welldeveloped rim syncline. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible yearround. For decades, two theories about the formation of utah s upheaval dome jostled for supremacy.
Upheaval dome canyonlands national park all you need. This raised bullseye visible from space was the subject of an intense geologic controversy. Utahs belly button, upheaval dome, san juan county. Extensive excerpts from the popular hiking book, utah s favorite hiking trails. Upheaval dome canyonlands national park 2020 all you. Looking at upheaval dome through pictures wont even begin to give you a sense of how big it is, so do yourself a favor and see it in person.
Upheaval dome is an unusual feature amidst the canyons, mesas and esplanades of canyonlands national park, near moab, utah. The outandback upheaval dome overlook trail provides the best views of the dome. Upheaval dome is a striking geologic structure in the canyonlands national park of southern utah. Your guide expertly drives the switchback on white rim road to places where you can view steep canyon walls and the remains of ancient pueblo civilizations. Canyonlands national park includes a diverse geologic history ranging from dry deserts to being at the bottom of an inland sea. Site includes detailed trail information on upheaval dome and other great hikes leading to utah s natural arches, indian ruins, redrock canyons, mountain peaks, and more. Surrounding the dome is a downwarp in the rock layers, a feature called a syncline.
Upheaval dome is an impact structure, the deeply eroded bottommost remnants of an impact crater, in canyonlands national park southwest of the city of moab, utah, in the united. Geology of the upheaval dome impact structure, southeast. Recent research suggests that a salt bubble as well as the overlying rock have been entirely removed by erosion and the present surface of upheaval dome is the pinched off stem below the missing bubble. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study.
Consequently, if the top of a dome has been eroded flat, the resulting structure in plan view. Combining structural and numerical data to constrain age, diameter, and amount of erosion. Upheaval dome moab, utah geographical place, landmark. Pdf new evidence for longterm, saltrelated deformation at. Utahs upheaval dome has been the subject of theories surrounding its existence for decades.
Hypotheses for its origin include cryptovolcanic explosion, meteoritic impact, fluid escape, and subsurface salt diapirism. Upheaval dome is a cratershaped topographic feature in canyonlands national park. No need to take on the hairraising drive yourself when booking this tour cover more ground in a 4wd vehicle hear live commentary from your guide includes cold. However, a transect parallel to earths surface of a dome features concentric rings of strata. Many geologist now consider the mystery of upheaval domes origin to be solved and its an innie. Canyonlands national park is located in southeastern utah near the town of moab. Top view of upheaval dome on colorado plateau in canyonlands national park, southeastern utah, usa, and position of sample location. Upheaval dome is an impact structure, the deeply eroded bottommost remnants of an impact crater. Some scientists say it is the site of a meteorite impact while others theorize it is nothing more than a naturally occurring salt dome. Upheaval dome was first noted during a reconnaissance geologic study by b. Upheaval dome in canyonlands national park, utah, is a colorful circular belly button, unique among the broad mesas and deep canyons of the colorado plateau. Fyi fran personally led gene shoemaker and party on their exploration of upheaval dome and roberts rift in their verifying that upheaval dome was indeed an impact crater, not a salt dome as most geologists believed. Canyonlands national park is a showcase of geology. It has been interpreted as a crypto volcanic feature, a salt diapir, a pinchedoff salt diapir, and an eroded impact crater.
Established in 1964, this park features breathtaking views, imposing landscapes, a fascinating range of geologic features, as well as a variety of plants, animals, petroglyphs, and recreational opportunities. The rim of upheaval dome is 3 miles across and over feet above the core floor. Upheaval dome outlook healthy trail guides intermountain. To help geology students learn the sequence of rock formations in the three geologic provinces of utah. While recent structural mapping, modeling, and analyses of deformation mechanisms strongly support an impact origin. From the trailhead you can see the rock, which does somewhat resemble a beached whale. To purchase this publication in book format, please order ri0262.
The inward facing cuestas are extremely steep and quite obvious. Geology of the upheaval dome impact structure, southeast utah pdf. Some scientists believe upheaval dome was created from paradox formation salt bed movement, creating a salt dome, but more modern studies show that the meteorite theory is more likely to be correct. Canyonlands upheaval dome upheaval dome canyonlands. The effect is that of a crater inside a series of concentric rings. In most of canyonlands, colorful sedimentary rocks are nearly horizontal, but around upheaval dome they are abruptly warped upward and eroded into a very unusual circular structure. The central peak in the core is 3000 feet in diameter and rises 750 feet from the floor.
I sland in the sky is a thousand foot high mesa in the isthmus between the green and colorado rivers that forms one of canyonlands. A perplexing geologic feature called upheaval dome forms a conspicuous feature within canyonlands national park of utah. Upheaval dome is one of the most interesting geologic formations in utah. The inspiration for is the beauty and unsurpassed geologic exposures of utah and the colorado plateau.
Pictured above, the green river has carved a channel out of rock layers. Geology of the upheaval dome impact structure, southeast utah bryan j. Upheaval dome via crater view trail closed utah alltrails. The upheaval dome of sw utah originated by collapse of a transient cavity formed by an impact. At first glance the unusual circular structure appears to be a large crater, but geologically it more closely resembles an ancient dome. It is a cryptovolcanic type of dome, which means that it was created by an upward volcanic thrust. In each of the parks districts, visitors can see the remarkable effects of millions of years of erosion on a landscape of sedimentary rock.
Syncline loop trail around upheaval dome, canyonlands national park. The unusual shape of a noted geologic feature in utah s canyonlands national park becomes fully clear only from the air. Intact, domes are distinct, rounded, sphericaltoellipsoidalshaped protrusions on the earths surface. Canyonlands national park national parks research guides. View the brilliant colors and mysterious geology of upheaval dome from two wonderful overlooks. Meanderthals syncline loop trail around upheaval dome. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The alternating rock layers make a nearly circular, 5. Structural observations and stratigraphic variability in.