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Types of rock in the park
Bryce Canyon National Park is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, which were formed through the accumulation of sediment and minerals over millions of years. The types of rock found in the park include:
Claron Formation: This is the most prominent rock formation in the park, and is composed of limestone and mudstone layers. The Claron Formation is responsible for the park’s famous hoodoos, as well as its fins, walls, and natural amphitheaters.
Dakota Sandstone: This formation is located at the base of the Claron Formation and is composed of sandstone. It is the oldest rock layer in the park, dating back approximately 100 million years.
Tropic Shale: This formation is located between the Claron and Dakota formations and is composed of shale and mudstone. It is a relatively soft rock layer and contributes to the formation of the park’s slopes and benches.
Straight Cliffs Formation: This formation is located above the Claron Formation and is composed of sandstone and limestone layers. It is responsible for the park’s highest points, including Rainbow Point, which is the park’s highest viewpoint.
Kaibab Limestone: This formation is located on the plateau above the park and is composed of limestone. It is the youngest rock layer in the park, dating back approximately 250 million years.
Bryce Canyon National Park is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, which were formed through the accumulation of sediment and minerals over millions of years. The types of rock found in the park include:
Claron Formation: This is the most prominent rock formation in the park, and is composed of limestone and mudstone layers. The Claron Formation is responsible for the park’s famous hoodoos, as well as its fins, walls, and natural amphitheaters.
Dakota Sandstone: This formation is located at the base of the Claron Formation and is composed of sandstone. It is the oldest rock layer in the park, dating back approximately 100 million years.
Tropic Shale: This formation is located between the Claron and Dakota formations and is composed of shale and mudstone. It is a relatively soft rock layer and contributes to the formation of the park’s slopes and benches.
Straight Cliffs Formation: This formation is located above the Claron Formation and is composed of sandstone and limestone layers. It is responsible for the park’s highest points, including Rainbow Point, which is the park’s highest viewpoint.
Kaibab Limestone: This formation is located on the plateau above the park and is composed of limestone. It is the youngest rock layer in the park, dating back approximately 250 million years.