Upheaval Dome
July 28, 2011
Photographer: Steven Schimmrich; Steven's website
Summary Author: Steven Schimmrich
The panorama above shows Upheaval Dome in Canyonlands National Park, Utah as viewed from the Overlook Trail. Upheaval Dome is an odd appearing structure in an area of otherwise flat-lying sedimentary rocks. While originally believed to be a deeply eroded uplift dome from the intrusion of a salt diapir (salt dome), evidence now indicates its origin as an ancient meteorite impact structure.
The lighter color rock at center is the Permian White Rim Sandstone of the Cutler Group, the prominent cliff faces are resistant Jurassic Wingate Sandstone, and in between lie the more easily eroded Triassic Moenkopi and Chinle Formations. Evidence suggesting that this is an impact structure include the orientation of the folds and faults surrounding the structure, the finding of shocked quartz in the vicinity, and seismic reflection data indicating fractured rock below the structure and the absence of a salt dome. Photo taken on June 7, 2010.
Photo details: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50 camera; 35-400 mm zoom lens (f/2.8-3.7); automatic exposure; panorama created from seven images stitched together with Hugin 2011.0.0 Panoramic Photo Stitcher.