Geological forces

© Tammy Espino

Geological  forces

Uploaded: September 05, 2011 17:29:09

Description

Red Rock Canyon, just 15 miles west of Las Vegas, presents awe-inspiring views most wouldn't expect to see near a major metropolitan city. in contrast to the bright lights and hype of the Strip, Red Rock offers desert beauty, towering red cliffs and abundant wildlife.
The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area receives 1.2 million visitors a year.
The mountains in the Red Rock area were formed by a number of geological forces including fractured faults where the earth's crust collided over millions of years and fossilized sand dunes. Some cliffs reach up an astounding 3,000 feet.
The sandstone rocks in the conservation area get their color from iron oxide. Over centuries the iron oxide built up, producing the vibrant, crimson color the canyon illustrates today.
One of the more scenic parts of Red Rock Canyon is the Keystone Thrust Fault. Here, millions of years ago, two of the earth's plates collided with such force that part of one plate was shoved up...

Exif: F Number: 5.6, Exposure Bias Value: 0.33, ExposureTime: 1/125 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 35.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 50D

Comments

Tammy Espino September 05, 2011

two of the earth's plates collided with such force that part of one plate was shoved up and over the other. This created a magnificent contrast between grey limestone and red sandstone.
This amazing conservation area is also home to about 200 different mammals which include burros, rabbits, coyotes, bighorn sheep, red tailed hawks, golden eagles, hummingbirds and even a few wild horses, bobcats and mountain lions.
Since Red Rock Canyon is so isolated and quiet, many like this recreational area as a temporary getaway from the craziness of the Las Vegas Strip.
On certain trails, hikers can even witness waterfalls cascading into the canyon.
Red Rock is open year-round and a favorite among many tourists, sightseers, joggers, hikers and rock climbers. Visitors can also go horseback riding.
Red Rock Canyon is part of the Mojave Desert, which stretches out to the corners of California, Utah, Arizona and Nevada.
If you're lucky, you might get a peek at Mojave Max, the center's desert "spokes" tortoise. You can have a picnic at Willow Springs, or even see springs and waterfalls at Ice Box Canyon and Lost Creek.There is more to Red Rock than just cactus trees and sage bushes. The visitor center also provides information about all the types of flora, from the desert wildflowers to the purple mats and desert marigolds. Other desert plant life includes coyote tobacco, buckhorn cholla and the famous Joshua tree, home to birds, lizards, mice and more.
-- Review by Jeannie Borbe
#1406451

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna September 05, 2011

Maybe I shouldn't, but I'm assuming we'll got here when Peaches, Colette and I come visit! This is one incredibly beautiful series, Vegas! :-) k #9654997

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe September 05, 2011

Beautiful scene, comp. and capture, Tammy. #9655045

frank w. degenhardt September 05, 2011

You have done so much to bring the City of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas to light for us, your photography should be in a visitors book and many of your works do such honor to the city and state. I really enjoy the way you compose this favorite for me, the colors, the way it makes me want to be there and explore it. The vegetation of the flat land, the gorgeous look of the mountains, the always so powerful sky. Added to that City, I really enjoy the time you take to tell us all about these places, such a fabulous read, so enjoyable. Keep up the incredible work dear friend. Look forward to more.
Have a wonderful day and enjoy, be careful out there, be you. #9655253

Tiia Vissak September 05, 2011

a wonderful image! #9655332

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic September 05, 2011

Wonderful info Tammy and something to look forward to if I ever get back to the Vegas area. Love the hard rock texture against that wonderful sky. #9655335

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic September 05, 2011

Wonderful info Tammy and something to look forward to if I ever get back to the Vegas area. Love the hard rock texture against that wonderful sky. #9655336

Patrick Rouzes level-classic September 06, 2011

Beautiful sky, earth tones, clarity, comp & mood here, Tammy! Great info too!
#9656060

Nancy L. Green level-classic September 06, 2011

This is SO BEAUTIFUL Tammy, I love the wonderful composition with the positioning of the hills and the bushes, VERY well done!! <>< #9656093

Carol L. Fowler September 06, 2011

eautiful geologic formations- love the red rock! #9656323

Julianne Bradford September 06, 2011

Terrific perspective Tammy. Now I see where all those clouds are going that are passing over us here in so cal.Great clouds! There have been some awesome sunsets here lately. #9656461

John Connolly September 06, 2011

A marvelous capture of this rugged country Tammy! Thanks for all the info too, it was very informative! #9656723

Reynaldo D. Reyes level-classic September 06, 2011

It sure is worth visiting this area as you so eloquently convey the virtues of the place. I've been there a number of times and always find it worth spending some time instead of staying in the casinos. Great series Tammy and I think you even got some fantastic winter captures of this place from way back. #9657413

Patti Coblentz September 07, 2011

Beautiful capture of the rugged rock formation and the soft grasses, composed so well...great info, too! #9658049

Robert R. Goodman September 07, 2011

Hi Tammy,Mojave is such a beautiful Desert.Awesome capture,Those sure are some tall mountains!!!! #9658712

Ellen Hodges September 09, 2011

Soooooo very beautiful in every way, Tammy!! #9663310

Dianne Brin level-classic September 10, 2011

Great perspective Tammy. I love this shot. A great one for the contest next May! :) #9663681

Patrick Rouzes level-classic October 18, 2011

Congratulations on this well-deserved Winner, Tammy Vegas! Good luck! #9743662

Patrick Rouzes level-classic October 18, 2011

I meant Finalist, Tammy! #9743676

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe October 18, 2011

Congrats on a beautiful finalist, Tammy. #9743712

Terry Cervi level-deluxe October 18, 2011

Congrats on your beautiful finalist, Tammy! #9744557

Reynaldo D. Reyes level-classic October 18, 2011

It's a fantastic finalist Tammy, a huge Congratulations! #9744641

Robert R. Goodman October 18, 2011

Hi Tammy,A big congratulations on this beautiful finalist!!! #9744872

Kathy Salerni level-classic October 18, 2011

Big congrats on your Finalist and good luck in the next round Tammy! #9744986

Patti Coblentz October 18, 2011

Congratulations on this gorgeous finalist, Tammy! #9745188

Heather Loewenhardt level-classic October 18, 2011

Congrats on this wonderful finalist Tammy. Good luck. #9745388

Dianne Brin level-classic October 18, 2011

Congratulations on this Beautiful shot Tammy! #9745474

Stefania Barbier level-classic October 18, 2011

congratulations on your beautiful finalist!!! #9745699

Barbara Waldoch October 19, 2011

Congrats on your wonderful finalist, Tammy! #9745798

Tiia Vissak October 19, 2011

Congratulations! #9745883

Val Feldman level-classic October 19, 2011

It's a beauty, Ms. Vegas! Congratulations and all the best in the upcoming round! #9746260

Jessica Jenney October 19, 2011

Congratulations, Tammy on your beautiful finalist! #9746340

Monnie Ryan October 19, 2011

Congratulations on your Finalist award, Tammy! #9746543

Boyd L. Alexander October 19, 2011

A very big Congratulations on this awesome and beautiful Finalist Tammy!! WTG my friend! #9746780

Jack Ryan October 19, 2011

Outstanding...congratulations. #9746893

Susan Fox October 19, 2011

Congratulations on your finalist! #9747932

Nancy L. Green level-classic October 19, 2011

CONGRATULATIONS Tammy on your wonderful finalist!! <>< #9748338

JO ANN CLEVELAND October 19, 2011

Outstanding finalist...congratulations Tammy!

jo ann c. #9748445

Patricia A. Casey level-classic October 19, 2011

Congratulations, Tammy......Yahooo Finalist...let's see gold now....=^..^= #9748886

Irene Colling level-classic October 19, 2011

A wonderful scenic Tammy, skillfully photographed.

Congratulations on your fine Finalist. #9749271

Carol L. Fowler October 20, 2011

Congrats on this wonderful Finalist! #9751132

Merna L. Nobile October 21, 2011

Hi Tammy: May your heart catch the joy of the moment and soar!
I am so happy for you!
CONGRATULATIONS, Merna
#9753185

Lorna Shutter October 22, 2011

Woo Hoo!!! Belated CONGRATULATIONS on your Finalist Award for this beautiful image, Tammy!!!!! Love those clouds!!! Good luck in the next round!!! :)
Photobucket #9755087

Laura E. Swan level-classic February 02, 2012

Our big and beautiful Earth. It's just one huge living museum, isn't it???

This was so interesting to read about. IRON makes the red! Who knew! And not like our Rockies that were cut out by glaciers. Yours were formed because of the fault lines and upheaval... Hmmm...ours might have been, too, in ways. Not sure. This would be a wonderful place to tool around in the winter when the rattlers are hibernating, hey? Poor Mojave Max. Why don't the conservationists give him a few friends out there of his same kind?? Maybe there is only enough turtle food for him??? HeeHee...(What would that be anyway? Roadrunner eggs???)

You did an excellent job here on this terrific Finalist, Tam Tam! Big Congrats!

-LooLoo :D #9961927

Anthony G. Comella April 05, 2012

SUPERB all around!! #10076894

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