Basalt Head

Provided by: Rick Frye, Washington State Dept of Ecology
Summary authors & editors: Jim Foster; Rick Frye

The above photo, showing a basalt ledge in the Columbia basin region of Washington, west of Yakima, was taken in early December of 2003. This basin province is best defined by the areal extent of the Miocene Columbia River Basalt Group rocks, which cover 36 percent of the entire state. Notice that the unaltered column in the center foreground bears a strong resemblance to a man's head, not unlike those sculptured on Easter Island. The veneer of snow, deep shadows and auburn colored leaves (likely Oregon Grape) nicely accent this interesting rock formation.

Related Links:

• Washington Ecology
• Volcanic and Geologic Terms
• Washington Geology