Red Canyon in Israel

October 07, 2016

Eilat Conglomerate Nahal Shani (1)

Eilat Red Canyon in Nahal Shani (2)

Photographer: Menashe Davidson
Summary Author: Menashe Davidson

Eilat Canyon in the Negev Desert of Israel is popularly called Red Canyon. It's part of the Nahal Shani riverbed (Shani in the Hebrew language is vermilion color). This superb little gorge took shape when cut by a stream exposing red, Nubian sandstone that rises some 100 ft (30 m) from the canyon floor. The source of the red color is primarily iron (Fe) oxides, although, other oxidized minerals are also present. The approach to the canyon is by a trail the beginning portion of which is bordered by steep walls of conglomerate (top photo). For scale purposes, the ladder hangs down about 13 ft (4 m). Photos taken on September 16, 2016.

Photo Details: Top - Camera Model: NIKON D7100; Focal Length: 18mm (35mm equivalent: 27mm);
Aperture: ƒ/22.0; Exposure Time: 0.0080 s (1/125); ISO equiv: 640; Bottom - same except: Exposure Time: 0.025 s (1/40).