Pinwheel Rock in the Mojave Desert

April 28, 2022

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Photographer:  James Denton

Summary Author: James Denton

The photo above provides a unique look into the formation processes of a layered rock feature in the Mojave Desert. Similar to how warm snow will clump together and roll down a steep hill to create a pinwheel, hot freshly fallen volcanic ash can do the same- albeit on a much grander scale. Shown with a person for scale, these layers slightly differ in size, but are generally several feet thick. Photo taken December 16, 2021.

Photo details: TINNO U304AA, f/2.2, 1/317 second exposure, ISO-118