Limestone Cliffs of Rochecolombe, France

July 11, 2007

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Provided and copyright by: Joel Balazuc
Summary authors & editors: Joel Balazuc

Rochecolombe is made noteworthy by the approximately 1,000 year old church tower in the foreground at left. In the background stands the Cretaceous age limestone cliff of the Barremian stage (130 - 125 million years ago). This cliff follows a major structural fault trending northwest-southeast, forming a valley (right side of the picture) suddenly terminated by a "reculée," which is a French term denoting backward movement due to erosion. The Vaucluse River, featuring the majestic 50 m (164 ft) waterfall (lower right), flows through this valley. Photo taken on November 16, 2006.

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